Charlotte and Atlanta Discussed Trade for Forward
The Hornets and Hawks held trade discussions involving Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield ahead of training camp.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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Charlotte and Atlanta engaged in trade talks regarding a swap of Dorian Finney-Smith and Buddy Hield. The discussions come as both teams look to adjust their rosters before the start of the upcoming season.
Why it matters
Charlotte is aiming to acquire draft assets and clear salary cap space, while Atlanta is seeking forward depth to replace the injured Mo Gueye. The potential trade highlights the differing priorities of both franchises as training camp approaches.
Dorian Finney-Smith is currently playing under a four-year, $52 million contract. Buddy Hield carries a $9 million player option for 2027-28, with only $3.1 million of that amount guaranteed.
The players
Dorian Finney-Smith
He is an NBA forward who signed a four-year, $52 million contract during his tenure in Houston.
Buddy Hield
He is an NBA guard currently involved in potential trade negotiations between the Hawks and the Hornets.
Mo Gueye
He is a professional basketball player whose recent foot injury has created a roster need for the Atlanta franchise.
The details
Charlotte has reportedly dangled Finney-Smith in trade negotiations to alleviate cap pressures. The urgency in Atlanta stems from the loss of Mo Gueye, who has been sidelined for an expected 3-4 months following a foot injury suffered in July.
Timeline
Mo Gueye sustained a foot injury in July 2026.
Trade talks between Charlotte and Atlanta were reported in September 2026.
Salaries for Finney-Smith and Hield reflect the 2026-27 season.
Buddy Hield has a player option available for the 2027-28 season.
Season Trajectory
This trade chatter underscores the aggressive roster management occurring across the league as teams balance long-term financial health with immediate competitive needs. Any movement here would significantly alter the depth chart and rotation strategies for both the Hornets and Hawks.
The potential acquisition of Buddy Hield would offer Atlanta a veteran rotation piece to mitigate the loss of forward depth. Charlotte fans should monitor these talks to see if the team successfully clears the salary space necessary for future draft flexibility.
The takeaway
NBA teams frequently explore veteran swaps during the preseason to address sudden personnel losses or financial goals. These negotiations demonstrate how individual player contracts act as primary levers in managing competitive viability.
Further reading
For more on the latest team movements and roster adjustments, visit our Basketball section.
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Should your local NBA team prioritize acquiring draft picks over keeping experienced veteran players?
