Kobe Bufkin is getting a fresh start.
The Atlanta Hawks struck a deal to send Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday afternoon, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. In exchange, the Hawks will receive cash considerations from the Nets.
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The Hawks selected Bufkin with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft out of Michigan, though he’s struggled so far in the league. Bufkin has appeared in just 27 games over the last two seasons, and he underwent season-ending shoulder surgery in December after playing in just 10 games.
Bufkin spent some time with the Hawks’ G League affiliate during his rookie campaign. He averaged 23.6 points and 5.9 assists per game with the College Park Skyhawks during the 2023-24 season. He’s averaged 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 27 NBA games throughout his career. Bufkin has two years left on his initial four-year, $19.8 million rookie deal.
While his NBA career has yet to take off, Bufkin will get a bit of a restart with the Nets. The franchise went just 26-56 last season, and then used all five of its first-round draft picks earlier this summer to help jumpstart a rebuild under second-year head coach Jordi Fernández. Bufkin, now healthy, should play a significant part in that push.
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The Hawks went just 40-42 last season and missed the playoffs for a second straight year. They traded back with the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA draft to acquire former Georgia star Asa Newell. Though the return isn’t great for a former first-round draft pick, the Hawks have now cleared up a roster spot. That’ll give them some added flexibility as they head into the season this fall.
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