Grade the trade: Rockets land Buddy Hield in dream proposal

Houston Rockets trade grade: A

For the Rockets, a team devoid of 3-point shooting, landing Hield would be a godsend. Hield is a career 40.1 percent 3-point shooter and is shooting 37.9 percent from three this season on 7.5 attempts, while averaging 12.8 points.

In 2022-23, Hield made 42.5 percent from deep on 8.5 attempts, while averaging 16.8 points. Hield ranked second in made threes in 2022-23, second in made threes in 2021-22, second in made threes in 2020-21, second in made threes in 2019-20, and fourth in made threes in 2018-19.

Getting rid of second-round draft capital, in addition to Victor Oladipo's expiring salary is a no-brainer for the Rockets. A future first-rounder is tough to part with, but the top-ten protection makes it feasible.

And you have to give up something substantial to land something valuable.

Indiana Pacers trade grade: A

Let's first outline why Hield is even on the trade block. Hield's contract is expiring and he and the Pacers are far apart on contract negotiations.

The Pacers face the reality of losing Hield outright in the offseason and would rather get assets instead of seeing him bolt. Getting three second-round picks, which have become rather valuable across the league due to the Stepien Rule, in addition to a future first-round pick, would be a massive haul.

And especially when you throw in Jae'Sean Tate, who is an elite defender, which the Pacers clearly need. The Pacers need Tate much more than the Rockets, due to the presence of Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks on the Rockets' roster.

Tate makes much more sense on the Pacers.

Oladipo's $9.5 million is expiring, so they obviously aren't tied to him long-term in this scenario.

This deal is a rare case of a win-win for both sides.