NBASep 26
Bulls Sending Rob Dillingham to Hornets for Buddy Hield and Cash
Charlotte adds a young guard to its reshaped backcourt, while Chicago brings in a veteran shooter with a connection to its front office.
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Dillingham heads to Charlotte
The Chicago Bulls are trading Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Buddy Hield and cash. The move sends Dillingham to another new team less than a year after Chicago acquired him at last season’s trade deadline. Selected No. 8 in the 2024 NBA draft, the 21-year-old averaged 9.6 points and 2.8 assists across 30 appearances for the Bulls. Charlotte offers a potential path to a larger role as it adjusts to changes in its guard rotation.
Hornets reshape their backcourt
The Hornets traded longtime starting guard LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves earlier this offseason. They also recently announced that second-year guard Kon Knueppel is sidelined by a hamstring injury, adding another consideration to their backcourt plans. Along with acquiring Dillingham, Charlotte creates a $9.4 million trade exception through the deal. His rookie contract includes a remaining team-option year before restricted free agency in the summer of 2028.
Hield’s brief Charlotte stay ends
Hield moves on after spending less than a week with the Hornets, who acquired him from the Atlanta Hawks in a deal for Dorian Finney-Smith. The veteran shooter brings a reputation for positive energy and an existing relationship with Bulls executive vice president Bryson Graham from their shared time in New Orleans. Hield’s contract carries a player option of around $10 million for the 2027-28 season.
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