Hawks Hornets trade rumors feature Hield and Finney-Smith

NBA Hawks Hornets trade rumors feature Hield and Finney-Smith

By Ben Gale

September 21, 2026 • 12:02 PM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Hawks Hornets trade rumors feature Hield and Finney-Smith

We are smack in the heart of the NBA offseason, when genuine trade buzz is pretty hard to find. But Atlanta and Charlotte have cut through the noise this summer with their ongoing conversations surrounding a swap of Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith. While nothing is official, these talks aren’t dead either, and that’s kept fans and bettors on alert as we inch closer to the season.

According to Yahoo Sports, Atlanta’s motivation comes down to money. They’ve been looking everywhere to shed Buddy Hield’s salary for the upcoming season. Hield is owed $9.7 million this year with a $10.1 million player option next season, which—let’s be real—he’s probably picking up. That’s long-term money for a player coming off his career-worst three-point percentage.

Dorian Finney-Smith would cost Atlanta more up front at $13.3 million for the season. But here’s what matters: his future is less of a burden, with only $3.1 million guaranteed in the final year of his contract. That gives a team needed salary flexibility, something the Hawks covet. Don’t expect this to be a clean Hield-for-Finney-Smith one-to-one swap. There’s talk Atlanta would need to sweeten the pot for Houston, likely with picks or other assets.

Let’s break down the players: Finney-Smith, now 33, missed most of last season in Houston after ankle surgery and, honestly, put up some ugly stats. But he’s built his career as a reliable 3-and-D guy—precisely what Atlanta might be gambling on if he’s healthy again. Hield is the same age and split last season between Golden State and Atlanta, managing just 7.6 points per game and a three-point shooting clip below 35 percent, the worst of his career. That’s a big reason Atlanta is motivated to move him.

Why this trade talk matters for bettors

If you’re tracking roster moves for your NBA futures bets, this negotiation could matter for mid-season depth and flexibility, not just the opening-night lineup. For Atlanta, clearing salary shows they might be prepping for another bigger move down the track. Charlotte, on the other hand, could be eyeing some shooting insurance if they cash in on Hield’s bounce-back potential. Every salary shuffle before training camp is a domino tipping another way—follow them if you care about props, team wins, or trade deadline odds.

Key developments in the trade discussions

Atlanta made it clear they’re looking to get Buddy Hield’s contract off the books.
Finney-Smith would cost Atlanta more this year, but his deal is more flexible later on.
An earlier trade structure included Devin Carter, but that’s out since his move to Boston.
Both players are entering the season after injury- and performance-affected campaigns, so each side is weighing real risk versus reward.
Any trade here would likely involve additional assets, not just the principals, with Houston reportedly interested in sweeteners.
Don’t count on a quick resolution. Both names could stay in the rumor mill into the season.

What this means for the teams involved

For Atlanta fans and investors, shedding Hield’s contract frees up options for future deals or signings. The focus is on flexibility, not just chemistry. Charlotte could view Hield as a low-risk bet on shooting, priced right if you think last season was an outlier rather than a trend. Finney-Smith, if he’s recovered, gives Atlanta a much-needed 3-and-D presence. It’s not a blockbuster, but these kinds of swaps matter over an 82-game grind.

Key takeaways for NBA bettors

Keep monitoring trade rumors for clues about which team is prioritizing cap space versus immediate talent.
If Atlanta pulls off the trade, expect more future roster moves—watch for their intentions at the deadline.
Look at player health trends; Finney-Smith’s recovery could swing his value for the Hawks.
If Hield lands in Charlotte, see if he regains shooting form in a bigger role.
Salary flexibility hints at teams planning for something larger, not stopping with minor deals.
Bettors should stay nimble with props and roster-based win totals as these pieces may keep moving.
Remember that trade rumors often indicate front offices’ real worries and intentions, not just noise for headlines.
Bettors who track contract structures and injury recovery often get ahead of line moves.

More coverage: NBA news coverage, NBA analysis and odds and NBA expert picks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trade talks between Atlanta and Charlotte are ongoing, but no agreement is finalized yet. Both teams have shown interest and negotiations remain active, though there are hurdles before a deal can happen.

Atlanta wants to get Buddy Hield’s salary off its books to gain future salary flexibility. Hield’s contract includes a likely-to-be-exercised player option for next season, making him less attractive to keep.

Charlotte could be targeting Buddy Hield for his shooting ability, hoping he rebounds from a poor season. They see potential value in him if he returns to form, especially with a manageable contract.

Probably not. Atlanta may need to add draft picks or other pieces to make the deal attractive, particularly if Houston gets involved. It’s unlikely to be a simple player-for-player swap.

Finney-Smith is coming off ankle surgery and a down year, making his health a concern. Hield just posted his worst shooting season and is on a contract that may limit flexibility for his new team.

The deal could affect futures, props, and team win totals if one side gains or loses key rotation players. Financial flexibility for Atlanta could also foreshadow bigger moves that matter for bettors.

No, Devin Carter was part of an earlier version of the trade but was waived by Atlanta and signed by Boston, so he’s not involved in any current discussions.