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Summary

The Kings were the surprise team of the league in '18-'19, winning 39 games despite being predicted to be at the bottom of the West. Led by Hield and De'Aaron Fox, the Kings' young players took huge strides and show a bright future for a franchise that for a long time was been a bit of a laughing stock around the league.

 

Hield proved to be one of the best shooters in the league in '17-'18, hitting 43% of his threes on just under eight attempts per game. If Hield can continue that level of shooting, he will be a valuable starter for many years to come. Add in some improved playmaking ability and shot creation, and Hield can become an All-Star.

 

Hield will already be 27 years old when he hits free agency for the first time next July, so this will be his best chance at getting a big long-term contract. While his age may suggest he does not have the upside of other players of his experience level, whoever signs Hield will likely have him for the entirety of his prime.

Cap Considerations

Hield will be a restricted free agent with a $14.6 million cap hold and a $6.5 million Qualifying Offer. Hield's QO will not come into play, as he will either sign a large contract with the Kings or get a large offer sheet from another team, so Hield settling for the QO is near certain not to happen. If a player has a smaller cap hold than his starting salary, his team can use cap space to sign-free agents before using Bird Rights to re-sign its own free agents.

 

The Kings could have cap room, but doing so would cost them Bogdan Bogdanovic, so Iit is more likely that the Kings operate over the salary cap, so Hield's cap hold will not play a factor. If the Kings re-sign Hield, they could benefit from front-loading his contract. However, they will also have to factor in De'Aaron Fox getting a big raise in 2021-2022, which could push the Kings into the luxury tax depending on the salaries that Hield and Bogdanovic get next summer. 

 

For other teams, Hield will be looking for a contract in the 4-year, $100+ million max range, and it would likely take something above that in order for Sacramento to not match. In addition, adding a 15% trade bonus, a player option, and some advances on his salary could make it more difficult for Sacramento to match.

Potential Teams: Kings, Raptors, Hornets, Grizzlies, Suns

Predicted Contract: 4-year, $100 million with the Kings

Actual Contract: 4-year, $94 million with the Kings

Last updated: 10/27/2019

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