Buddy Hield Traded to Hornets in Three-Player Deal; Hawks Receive Dorian Finney-Smith

The Charlotte Hornets have agreed a deal with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield in a three-player trade. Atlanta sent Hield, guard Ryan Nembhard and cash to Charlotte, while the Hawks received forward Dorian Finney-Smith as part of the agreement.

According to Bleacher Report, the move comes just ahead of preparations for the new season, with the two teams having held talks in recent days over such a trade. Charlotte is expected to have created a trade exception of around $4.5 million for the 2026-27 season, while Atlanta created one of approximately $2.1 million.

Hield played in 51 games last season, averaging 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 16.1 minutes per game, shooting 43.7% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range. After his move to Atlanta he improved his three-point numbers, and he is expected to keep a significant impact as an outside scorer for the Hornets. His salary for the 2026-27 season is projected at around $9.7 million, with a player option for the following year of approximately $10.1 million.

Ryan Nembhard, 23, enters his second NBA season after 60 appearances with Dallas in 2025-26. As a rookie he showed playmaking ability, averaging around 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game with solid shooting splits. His salary for next season is projected at around $2.2 million, and he will become a restricted free agent in 2027.

Dorian Finney-Smith, who joins the Hawks, played 37 games for Houston last season after recovering from ankle surgery. He struggled with his shot on his return but brings considerable experience on both offense and defense, with a career mark of approximately 35.9% from three-point range and 44 playoff appearances.

Both teams enter the 2026-27 season aiming to climb the Eastern Conference standings: Atlanta follows a 46-36 season and a first-round playoff appearance, while Charlotte finished the season 44-38 and won a play-in game to advance further.

The trade was first reported by Bleacher Report.