Hawks, Hornets reportedly discussing potential Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith trade

As the NBA season approaches, rumors swirl of a potential trade between the Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets. According to reports by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, the Hawks have had discussions with the Hornets about acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith in exchange for Buddy Heild. However, the deal has not yet materialized, but it remains a possibility.

An earlier version of the trade would have included Devin Carter, but the Hawks waived him earlier this month and he promptly signed with the Boston Celtics. For the Hawks, this trade is primarily driven by financial considerations and their efforts to free up salary cap space for the upcoming season. Buddy Heild is slated to earn $9.7 million this season, but has the option to sign for $10.1 million next season, a move he is likely to make.

Meanwhile, Dorian Finney-Smith will command a higher salary this season at $13.3 million, with only $3.1 million guaranteed for the 2027-28 season. While the Hornets will likely need to include additional assets to sweeten the deal, it will not be a straight player-for-player swap. Finney-Smith, 33, played limited minutes in Houston last season due to ankle surgery, posting career-low statistics when he did appear.

The team hopes that, fully healthy this time around, he can regain his reliable 3-point and all-around play. Buddy Heild, also 33, played 51 games in Houston last season, splitting time between Golden State and Atlanta, and averaged 7.6 points per game while shooting just 34.9% from beyond the arc, his lowest percentage of his career. This potential trade may continue to circulate as trade rumors intensify leading up to the season.