Boston Celtics: 2 potential Buddy Hield trade packages

C’s trade No. 2) A home-run swing for Boston

The second deal is an absolute doozy that gives the Celtics bench two players who have proven capable of scoring 18+ points per game over a full season in Hield and Harrison Barnes. Once again, the Kings receive Hayward, but this time, they also get two big men in Daniel Theis and Enes Kanter to replenish their depleted center ranks–not to mention the C’s lone lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft via the Memphis Grizzlies.

Why the Boston Celtics do it

Not only would the Cs get the same added benefits (Smart as a starter, Hield as a sixth-man) as the last trade, but they would also receive a former NBA champion and starting small forward for the winningest regular-season team of all time (the 73-win 2015-16 Golden State Warriors) in Harrison Barnes.

Having the sort of lineup versatility these two swingmen would bring could offset losing two rotational centers, and Brad Stevens would have to explore small-ball lineups that included Barnes at center alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown in the front-court.

Why the Sacramento Kings do it

Sacramento would get out of the final three years on Barnes’ deal while also dumping the disgruntled Hield…all in exchange for a do-it-all forward on an expiring contract and a pair of contract-year centers that can cover the wirey Marvin Bagley’s back on the defensive side of the ball against bulkier pivots.

The added bonus of the highest pick that the Celtics have in this upcoming draft brings back a return with the primary asset you could want for Hield if you are Sacramento: a lottery pick.