The Atlanta Hawks are exploring a trade to acquire veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Charlotte Hornets, with Buddy Hield potentially heading the other way. This move is being considered as the Hawks look to add a defensive-minded player to their roster before the regular season begins.
Atlanta's front office appears focused on bolstering its perimeter defense. Finney-Smith, a 31-year-old forward known for his 3-and-D capabilities, fits that profile. He is coming off a season hampered by injuries after signing a four-year deal with the Houston Rockets worth approximately $52.7 million. The Hawks likely believe they can get a bounce-back season from him at a relatively low cost.
Finney-Smith is owed about $14.2 million for the upcoming season. His contract for the 2027-28 campaign is non-guaranteed, which is a key factor for Atlanta. That structure would have no impact on the team's plans to create cap space next summer, offering valuable financial flexibility.
Buddy Hield is the most probable piece heading to Charlotte. The Hawks made a notable decision earlier this offseason to guarantee Hield's full $9.7 million salary for this year instead of paying $3 million to waive him. His contract for 2027-28 is partially guaranteed for just over $3 million, making him an interesting trade asset.
It's unlikely Hield would make the Hornets' regular season roster. Charlotte currently carries 16 fully guaranteed contracts and needs to get down to 15. A swap helps both teams address roster logjams. For Atlanta, the move could also shed $3 million in future salary commitments.
The preseason is approaching fast, yet Atlanta's final roster remains fluid. The team recently signed and waived four players-Devon Higgs, Keyshawn Bryant, Lamont Butler, and Will Baker-who are expected to join the College Park Skyhawks. Even the 15 standard NBA contract spots are not yet settled.
This potential trade reflects an ongoing effort to refine the team's composition.
Roster compliance is the immediate priority for next month. Any trade talks are happening against that deadline. If a deal is completed, Finney-Smith would join a group looking to improve on a tough end to the previous season.
Acquiring Finney-Smith represents a bet on veteran experience and defensive grit. The Hawks are banking on him returning to form and providing stability on the wing. His non-guaranteed future salary is a smart piece of business, protecting the team's financial future. Fans can track the evolving roster and upcoming challenges on our schedule page.
This trade discussion shows the front office is actively seeking solutions. The goal is clearly to build a more balanced team capable of a stronger playoff push. Whether Finney-Smith is the answer is not yet clear, but the Hawks are doing their homework.
