The preseason is approaching fast, but it sounds like the roster for the upcoming season is still fluid.
Atlanta has signed and waived four names (Devon Higgs, Keyshawn Bryant, Lamont Butler, and Will Baker) in recent days — names that will likely end up on the roster of the College Park Skyhawks.
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But even the 15 standard NBA contract spots are up in the air. Earlier this offseason, the team made the curious decision to guarantee Buddy Hield’s full $9.7 million or so salary as opposed to eating $3 million to waive him. But with his 2027-28 salary partially unguaranteed ($3 million again), he becomes an interesting trade chip going forward.
Now, Jake L. Fischer of both Yahoo and the Marc Stein substack reports that the Hawks have had discussions with the Hornets on a swap for Dorian Finney-Smith
The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets both have moves to make to get into regular season roster compliance next month. That hasn’t stopped the two teams from discussing a trade of veteran players who are on the roster bubble.
Atlanta and Charlotte have discussed swapping Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith. The Hawks could be acquiring Finney-Smith with the idea of adding another defensive-minded player to the roster. Finney-Smith’s contract for the 2027-28 season is non-guaranteed. That means it would have no impact on Atlanta’s plans for cap space next summer.
Hield’s contract is partially guaranteed for just over $3 million for the 2027-28 season. It’s unlikely that Hield would make the Hornets regular season roster, as Charlotte is currently carrying 16 fully guaranteed contracts.
Finney-Smith, an aging 3-and-D forward, is coming off an injury-riddled last season after signing with the Rockets on a four-year, approximately $52.7 million contract. He is owed about $14.2 million this season, then north of $13.3 million unguaranteed the next two with the final year a player option per Spotrac.
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It’s possible the Hawks can think they can get a bounce back season from Finney-Smith for cheap return while also shedding $3 million in future salary.
What do you think? Would this be a good move for the Hawks?
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