Buddy Hield vs Ja'Kobe Walter

Buddy Hield scored more in 2025-26, 0.1 points a game apart (7.6 vs 7.5), on Hield's heavier usage (19.2% vs 13.6%).

Walter is the more efficient scorer by true shooting, 61.0% to 56.8%; TS% folds threes and free throws into one number, so the gap survives shot-diet differences.

Playmaking goes to Hield (1.4 vs 1.2 assists), the glass to Walter (2.6 vs 2.3 rebounds).

Availability is part of the comparison: Walter played 21 more games (72 vs 51 of 82).

With Walter on the floor his team outscored opponents by +0.9 per 100 possessions, against -4.9 for Hield; on-court net rating carries the teammates with it, so read it next to PIE.

On the books for 2026-27: Hield $9.7M through 2027-28, Walter $3.8M through 2027-28. Whether either fits a trade is a Trade Machine question, not a stat one.