JUST IN: Knicks Targeting Buddy Hield to Add Sharpshooting Power at the Perimeter
The New York Knicks are reportedly eyeing one of the NBA’s premier long-range weapons as they look to beef up their perimeter offense ahead of the 2025-26 season. According to league insiders and front office rumblings, Buddy Hield has emerged as a key target for the Knicks, who are in active discussions to acquire the high-volume, high-efficiency three-point marksman in hopes of adding a much-needed scoring punch to their rotation. With the Eastern Conference heating up and teams loading up talent, New York appears intent on addressing one of its most glaring needs—consistent perimeter shooting—and Buddy Hield may be the ideal answer.
Hield, who finished last season averaging nearly 40% from beyond the arc on over seven attempts per game, is regarded as one of the league’s most dangerous shooters. Whether as a starter or coming off the bench, the veteran guard has built a reputation for being able to stretch defenses, keep defenders honest, and swing the momentum of a game with his quick-trigger release and elite shot-making. For a Knicks team that often found itself stuck in halfcourt battles and struggling to maintain offensive rhythm when Jalen Brunson sat or Julius Randle was bottled up, the addition of Hield could change the calculus entirely. He would provide much-needed floor spacing, opening driving lanes for guards, and giving New York a reliable kick-out option that defenders cannot afford to sag off.
The Knicks, under the guidance of President Leon Rose and Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, have been deliberate in building a team that can contend now while remaining flexible long-term. Their current core—led by Brunson, Randle, RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and the recently acquired Mikal Bridges—has shown the grit and defensive tenacity needed for postseason success. But there’s been a consensus among analysts and fans alike that they’re missing a true sniper to keep opposing defenses from clogging the paint. Last year’s playoff series against Indiana laid bare this deficiency, with the Knicks failing to match the Pacers’ outside shooting in crucial moments. Bringing in a veteran like Hield, who can hit from deep with consistency and no conscience, addresses that issue directly.
Buddy Hield, now 32, is no stranger to trade speculation. After a productive stint with the Sacramento Kings and a subsequent run with the Indiana Pacers, he was moved to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2024-25 campaign in a deal that was largely about cap flexibility. While he contributed admirably in Philly, he was not seen as part of the long-term plans with the Sixers focused on retooling around Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Now a free agent or available via sign-and-trade, Hield is drawing interest from multiple suitors—but none appear to be as aggressive or as well-positioned as the Knicks.
Financially, the Knicks could make a Hield acquisition work through a variety of mechanisms. They could opt for a sign-and-trade with Philadelphia, perhaps offering draft capital or expiring contracts such as Evan Fournier or Bojan Bogdanović to make the money align. Alternatively, should Hield be open to a mid-level type of deal in exchange for a clearer role on a contending team, the Knicks could pitch him on the opportunity to play major minutes and compete deep into the playoffs. There’s also the element of team culture and chemistry—by all accounts, Hield is well-liked in locker rooms and brings a workmanlike attitude to his craft, attributes that align well with Thibodeau’s system and expectations.
Adding Hield would also have ripple effects across the roster. Younger players like Quentin Grimes and Miles McBride, who have shown flashes of offensive potential, could benefit from watching and practicing alongside an elite shooter like Hield. Moreover, Thibodeau could experiment with small-ball lineups that deploy Hield alongside Brunson and Barrett, creating a potent mix of driving and shooting threats that could keep defenses guessing. The versatility of the Knicks roster, especially after acquiring Bridges, gives them the flexibility to slot Hield into various configurations without sacrificing too much defensively.
One concern with Hield, of course, is on the other end of the court. While he’s never been known as a lockdown defender, he has improved his awareness and positioning in recent years. In a Knicks system that values communication, help defense, and effort, there’s confidence internally that Hield can at least hold his own, especially if paired with strong wing defenders like Bridges and Hart. The offensive upside he brings—particularly in clutch moments—may be more than enough to offset any defensive shortcomings.
The potential signing also signals the Knicks’ intent to compete at the highest level of the East. The Boston Celtics remain a powerhouse, while teams like Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Orlando continue to build. By pursuing Hield, the Knicks are essentially saying they’re not satisfied with last season’s second-round exit and see a narrow but real path to the NBA Finals. They’re hoping Hield’s sharpshooting can be one of the difference-makers to help them cross that threshold.
The buzz surrounding the Knicks this offseason has already been strong. The Mikal Bridges trade shook the league, and there are still whispers about further movement involving Mitchell Robinson or other assets. Adding Hield would be another chess move that emphasizes New York’s aggressive yet calculated approach to roster construction. In the modern NBA, shooting is currency—and Buddy Hield’s price tag might be worth every penny if he helps the Knicks get over the hump.
For a franchise hungry for its first title since 1973 and a fan base that fills Madison Square Garden with unrivaled energy, this could be the kind of move that brings them closer to basketball nirvana. The deal isn’t done yet, but the intent is clear: the Knicks want shooting, they want experience, and they want to win—now. And if Buddy Hield does land in New York, expect those Garden lights to shine even brighter with each deep three he buries.
