Hawks Trade Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith to Bolster Defense

The Atlanta Hawks have traded Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, as Sports Illustrated first reported. The move, which helps Atlanta reach the 15-player regular-season limit, follows the team's recent decision to waive Devin Carter.

Finney-Smith arrives in Atlanta after a struggling stint with the Houston Rockets—from whom the Hornets had acquired him earlier this offseason—where he appeared in 37 games and shot 27% from three-point range. However, the Hawks are betting on a return to the form he displayed with the LA Lakers and Brooklyn. Sports Illustrated notes that Finney-Smith's contract is non-guaranteed, providing the team with financial flexibility if he fails to rediscover his efficiency.

From a strategic standpoint, the addition of Finney-Smith and Lu Dort—who joined the team from Oklahoma City—signals a shift toward perimeter physicality. While Lu Dort is expected to be a key role player, Sports Illustrated reports that coach Quin Snyder must determine how Dort's offensive fit aligns with Dyson Daniels.

The trade also reshapes the Hawks' depth chart. By moving Nembhard, Atlanta has cleared the path for rookie Kingston Flemings to take over as the backup point guard. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith enters a competition for the backup power-forward spot against Asa Newell and Zuby Ejiofor, as Mouhamed Gueye remains sidelined with a foot injury. Finney-Smith also offers the team a small-ball center option, though Sports Illustrated describes this as a non-optimal fit for the roster.