While much of the NBA’s business is done ahead of the 2026/27 season, some teams are still mulling over decisions or potential changes that need to be made.
Two of these teams are appearing Hawks and Hornets. The two units of the Southeastern Division have periodically discussed an exchange that would include sending Buddy Hield to Charlotte and Dorian Finney-Smith to Atlanta, according to The Stein Line’s Jake Fisher, via Mark Stein (subscriber link).
Previous iterations of the framework could be included Devin Carterbut the Hawks eventually decided refuse former lottery pick.
The 33-year-old Hield split his season between the Warriors and Hawks last year, averaging 7.6 points on a career-low 34.9% from three for the entire season. Finney-Smith played in just 37 games for the Rockets last season, averaging a career-high 3.3 points in 16.8 minutes per game.
Finney-Smith’s $13.3 million salary for the 2027-28 season is not guaranteed, which could be attractive to the Hawks, who have been trying to find ways to shed Hields’ $9.7 million salary all summer, according to Stein.