NBA Rumors: Pacers Building Trade Packages Around Buddy Hield, Future 1st-Round Pick

The Indiana Pacers have reportedly been building trade packages around sharpshooter Buddy Hield as well as a first-round pick, according to NBA insider Marc Stein.

"The Pacers, league sources say, have been building trade offers around a package of Buddy Hield (who's in the final season of his current contract at $18.6 million) and a future first-round pick."

Although Indiana has been willing to move Hield's expiring contract, the team has been reluctant to include young players such as Bennedict Mathurin and rookie forward Jarace Walker in trade talks.

The Pacers are searching to improve the supporting cast around All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is currently in the midst of another incredible season. Haliburton is averaging a career-high 23.6 points to go along with a league-leading 12.5 assists per game, shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 40.3 percent from three.

Among players who have appeared in at least 15 contests this season, his 125.3 individual offensive rating is the highest mark in the association (per NBA.com). Haliburton has led the Pacers to a 23-16 record this season, with wins in seven of his last eight appearances with the team.

However, it appears that general manager Chad Buchanan is interested in acquiring some more help for the 23-year-old. Outside of Haliburton, Mathurin and center Myles Turner are the only players on Indiana's roster that are currently averaging over 13 points per game.

The Pacers have been one of the NBA's "most aggressive teams in trade talks" this season, per Stein. They reportedly pursued defensive-minded forward O.G. Anunoby before he was dealt to the New York Knicks. Indiana is also "consistently mentioned" as a potential destination for Raptors All-Star forward Pascal Siakam, although a deal won't be easy to make if the front office isn't interested in giving up any young talent.

Still, the Pacers appear motivated to package Hield and a future first in order to acquire some help prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline.