The Sacramento Kings have been in turmoil for most of the 2019-20 season. In the midst of inconsistent play on the court and the failure of Marvin Bagley III to develop, there has been a major split in the locker room, mostly revolving around Buddy Hield.
After signing a big extension earlier this season, he is convinced he is ready for a bigger role — a role the team has not been so willing to give him.
And, according to The Athletic‘s Shams Charania, Sam Amick, and Jason Jones, Hield may consider a trade request if things don’t change.
“He believes he is a starter in the NBA and there’s no guarantee he’ll get that job back, given how the team has played lately. And unlike last season, when he never criticized [former head coach Dave] Joerger publicly and even refrained from doing so after their well-chronicled January 2019 run-in at Golden State, Hield has shown a willingness to criticize [current head coach Luke] Walton that has proved at times problematic.”
Upon the start of the 2020-21 campaign, Hield is set to earn $106 million over the next four years.
Averaging 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on 43% shooting, it’s clear why the Kings were willing to keep him around. But recently, he has been more trouble than he’s worth.
Something has to give sooner or later, and expect a conclusion to this Buddy story to play out before the start of next season.
