Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield Surface in Trade Talks as Hawks, Hornets Weigh Roster Swap

· Yahoo Sports

Dorian Finney-Smith andBuddy Hield arrived in Charlotte and Atlanta with different jobs in mind. Finney-Smith was supposed to give the Hornets a veteran wing. Hield was expected to add shooting for the Hawks. Neither player has settled into a clear place this early.

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Now both names have surfaced in trade talks. The idea remains a discussion, but the timing matters with training camp approaching.

Atlanta and Charlotte have discussed a possible swap of Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield

Finney-Smith and Hield are at the center of trade talks between Atlanta and Charlotte, according to The Stein Line. The teams have talked on and off throughout September, though there is no word that a deal is close.

Mar 4, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) shoots against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

“Atlanta and Charlotte, league sources say, have engaged in on-and-off trade discussions at various points this month on trade frameworks that would feature the Hornets’ Dorian Finney-Smith and the Hawks’ Buddy Hield,” The Stein Line reported.

The talks make sense from Atlanta’s side because Hield has barely played since joining the Hawks. He appeared in seven regular-season games after arriving in February, then saw limited playoff action. His $9.66 million salary for 2026-27 is fully guaranteed.

Charlotte has a different reason to listen. The Hornets acquired Finney-Smith and three future second-round picks from Houston in July in exchange for cash considerations. He averaged 3.3 points last season, while his three-point shooting dropped to 27%.

Apr 30, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New York Knicks guard Jordan Clarkson (00) defends Atlanta Hawks guard Buddy Hield (8) in the third quarter during game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

That mark was the worst of Finney-Smith’s career. He owns a 35.9% career rate from deep, while Hield shot 34.9% last season. His reputation as a high-volume shooter still gives Charlotte a skill it can use.

The possible trade is also tied to roster pressure. Charlotte has 16 fully guaranteed contracts, according to RealGM. Atlanta also has moves to make before the season begins.

Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield would fill different needs

Finney-Smith would give Atlanta a bigger wing option. He has started 222 games during his career and spent most of his NBA years defending on the perimeter. That could matter for a Hawks team with several younger wing players.

Hield would give Charlotte another shooter. He has made at least 40% of his threes in four NBA seasons, and his career rate is 39.0%. The Hornets could use that threat around their younger ball handlers.

Mar 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (28) warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The contracts also make the swap easier to consider. Finney-Smith’s 2027-28 salary is non-guaranteed, while Hield has only a partial guarantee for that season. Neither contract forces a team into a long commitment.

For now, nothing has been agreed upon. The talks simply give both teams another option as they trim their rosters before opening night.

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