Hornets And Hawks Trade Talks
Hornets and Hawks Discuss Trade Involving Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield
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Key Points
1
Charlotte received substantial draft compensation in the LaMelo Ball–Josh Green trade: a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, second-round picks in 2029, 2032 and 2033, and first-round swaps in 2028, 2029 and 2030.
2
Finney-Smith’s limited production in Houston was substantial: he averaged 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1 assist and 0.4 steals in 37 games last season, while Hield averaged 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.8 steals in 51 games with Atlanta and Golden State.
3
Atlanta’s interest in Finney-Smith is partly connected to a positional need created by forward Mo Gueye’s foot injury, while Hield’s $9.7 million salary has been a contract the Hawks have explored moving during the offseason.
4
Finney-Smith was acquired by Charlotte from Houston in early July along with three second-round picks, after signing a four-year, $52 million contract with the Rockets and struggling through lingering ankle injuries.
5
Hield’s contract includes a $9 million player option for 2027-28, with $3.1 million guaranteed; the remainder would become guaranteed after the 2027 NBA draft, giving Charlotte a different form of roster flexibility than Finney-Smith’s non-guaranteed salary.
The Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks have been discussing a trade that would swap forward Dorian Finney-Smith for sharpshooter Buddy Hield, according to Clutch Points. Charlotte brought in Finney-Smith from Houston in July but needs to trim its oversized roster before next season. Hield would give the Hornets a proven three-point shooter, while Finney-Smith offers Atlanta size and defense.
Why Charlotte Wants Hield's Shooting
Finney-Smith has disappointed since arriving in Charlotte. He averaged just 3.3 points and shot 27% from three last season with Houston, hampered by ankle injuries. Hield, by contrast, is a career three-point specialist, though his recent form has slipped. He posted a career-low 34.9% from three after joining Atlanta and Golden State this past season, according to Basketball Real GM.
Atlanta's Rotation Gap and Contract Flexibility
The Hawks need forward depth after Mo Gueye suffered a foot injury. Finney-Smith fills that need with his defensive versatility and size. Atlanta has also sought to move Hield's $9.7 million salary, according to Hoops Rumors. Finney-Smith's contract structure—with non-guaranteed money after 2026-27—differs from Hield's player option for 2027-28, giving each team different flexibility options.
Charlotte's Aggressive Offseason Overhaul
The Hornets have dismantled their roster, trading away LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, Tre Mann and Miles Bridges. In the Ball deal alone, Charlotte received a 2033 unprotected first-rounder, multiple second-round picks and first-round swaps through 2030. They've added veterans like Dennis Schröder, Royce O'Neale and Grayson Allen. With 17 players currently rostered, the Hornets must cut down to 15 before training camp, making deals like the Finney-Smith-Hield swap necessary.
No Deal Yet, but Discussions Ongoing
Though the teams have held intermittent talks, no agreement has been reached as of now. An earlier version of the deal involving guard Devin Carter is no longer relevant—Atlanta waived Carter, and he signed with the Boston Celtics. The trade remains under discussion with training camp approaching, but timing and final terms remain uncertain.
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