Former Golden State Warriors guard Buddy Hield was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Hield's departure from the Hawks marks another move for the veteran shooter after his stint in Golden State.
The Atlanta Hawks sent Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard, and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for forward Dorian Finney-Smith. Hield was with the Warriors for parts of two seasons before being traded to Atlanta during the 2025-26 campaign. His final season saw him average 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 43.7% from the field and 34.9% from three-point range across 51 games with both teams.
Financial details were a big part of this swap. Hield holds a $10 million player option for the 2027-28 season. Finney-Smith's $13.3 million contract for next year is non-guaranteed, giving Atlanta more flexibility. The Hawks also created a $2.1 million trade exception, while Charlotte is expected to generate a $4.5 million exception.
Reactions focused on roster construction and shooting. Analyst Brett Siegel noted the trade "opens up financial flexibility for Atlanta, while giving them another veteran, athletic wing." Salary cap expert Bobby Marks broke down the contract numbers and the trade exceptions created for both sides.
The Hornets' three-point potential got a lot of attention. Analyst Andy Bailey pointed out Charlotte's loaded shooting roster, suggesting "the single-season record of 1,457 threes may be within reach." StatMuse highlighted a fascinating pairing, noting Kon Knueppel and Hield each average the most threes per game in NBA history for players under specific minute thresholds.
Keith Smith added that the Hawks take on about $2.4 million in salary and will sit about $1.4 million under the luxury tax. The Hornets now have 18 players on standard deals and will need to make three roster cuts.
Hield was the sixth overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft out of Oklahoma. Before his time with the Warriors and Hawks, he played for the Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Orleans Pelicans. He's established himself as one of the league's premier volume shooters over his career.
For the Warriors, this trade is a footnote on a player who briefly passed through. Their immediate concern is reversing a tough stretch on the court.
The front office will continue evaluating the roster as they aim to climb back into contention. Hield gets a fresh start on a Hornets team looking to make a splash from deep next season.
