NBASep 25
Hawks Add Finney-Smith as Hornets Land Hield and Nembhard
Atlanta clears a roster spot and takes a chance on a defensive rebound, while Charlotte cuts salary and adds perimeter shooting.
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Atlanta bets on a bounce-back
The Atlanta Hawks have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash considerations, easing their roster congestion while adding another defensive option on the wing. Finney-Smith comes with significant uncertainty. After returning from ankle surgery last season, he averaged 3.3 points and shot 27% from beyond the arc. Houston subsequently sent him to Charlotte in a salary-clearing deal that also delivered three second-round picks to the Hornets. At 33, Finney-Smith must show he can regain the form that made him an effective perimeter defender and floor spacer during the 2024-25 season. For Atlanta, the appeal is a potential contributor whose strengths align with its defensive approach.
Charlotte saves money and adds shooting
The Hawks will take on a larger salary commitment for this season: Finney-Smith is due $14.2 million, while Hield and Nembhard will earn a combined $11.8 million. Neither Finney-Smith nor Hield has guaranteed money beyond this season. Hield had little opportunity to establish himself in Atlanta, logging only 51 regular-season minutes after arriving from Golden State in the Kristaps Porzingis trade last February. His career 39.5% shooting from distance could prove more useful in Charlotte, which led the NBA in 3-point makes last season. The Hornets also add Nembhard, a backup guard Atlanta previously acquired alongside Luguentz Dort. Charlotte has its own crowded rotation, so minutes are not assured. Still, the deal allows the Hornets to retain the draft assets gained from taking on Finney-Smith while lowering their salary obligation and giving coach Charles Lee another shooting option.
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