A Royal Pain
Fansided

3 Reasons Why The Sacramento Kings Should Trade Buddy Hield

By Anthony Cardenas

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 15: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings smiles during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 15, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 15: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings smiles during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers on March 15, 2019 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Buddy Hield
Sacramento Kings Buddy Hield (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Money Matters

In a perfect, salary-capless world, the Kings would be able to keep their dynamic shooting guard duo intact for next season and beyond.

In reality, the decision will likely come down to a financial one.

Hield signed an extension with Sacramento before the 2019-’20 season that will pay him $24 million next year, and he is worth it. Of all the questionable contracts that Divac has handed out over the last few years, Hield’s has received some of the least criticism. His production says he’s a $20+ million per year player, and the contract is actually front loaded, meaning that the yearly salary will decrease by roughly $2 million every year.

But the real issue is the fact that Bogdanovic needs a new deal. While the projected dip of the salary cap should actually help the Kings retain the 3-year pro from Serbia, handing out large extensions to guys who play the same position in back-to-back off seasons could hinder the financial future of the franchise. While it is unlikely that Bogdanovic will receive the yearly salary that Hield does, Sacramento would likely be dishing out upwards of $40 million which could be close to 40 percent of the entire payroll spent on one position.

This simple fact alone is where I hinge most of my belief that the Kings are going to move on from Hield. There are going to be other holes to fill and other contract disputes that arise. Sacramento still has to pay De’Aaron Fox, and Marvin Bagley could be due an extension in the next few years depending on his development.

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