The Atlanta Hawks dumped Kobe Bufkin’s $4.5 million salary in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for cash. NBA Insider Jake Fischer couldn’t figure out why Brooklyn would make this trade. The Nets got $100,000 in cash and developed some goodwill with the Hawks' front office. Brooklyn is not competing, but there was no serious benefit. The Hawks just fleeced them.
Atlanta is now $15.7 million below the first apron, where they are hard-capped. The Hawks have more flexibility to upgrade their roster and more moves could be coming. Atlanta could use a point guard and wisely got out of the final year of Bufkin’s rookie contract. The Hawks lost belief in the former first-round pick as he’s struggled to stay healthy in his first two years.
Being able to dump $4.5 million in salary for virtually nothing was a massive win for the Hawks. It didn’t cost them multiple second-round picks or force them to take on an unwanted contract. The Nets missed a golden opportunity and allowed themselves to get fleeced in the process.
Hawks clearly fleeced the Nets in Kobe Bufkin trade
Bufkin appeared in just 27 games in his first two NBA seasons. He has never played more than 24 minutes in a game or scored more than12 points. The Hawks were ready to give up on the 21-year-old, and they dumped him for nothing. Brooklyn saw something, or else the Nets just wanted to get over the salary cap floor and are praying Bufkin can blossom on their roster.
The Hawks' front office, led by Onsi Saleh, is creating quite a reputation. They traded for Kristaps Porzingis and absolutely fleeced the Pelicans in a lopsided trade that fans will be talking about for years. Atlanta signed Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to add depth and talent. This roster feels like a contender, and Saleh just keeps fleecing other franchises.
The Hawks feel like a serious contender, and the future is bright. Jalen Johnson, Zaccharie Risacher, and Dyson Daniels are three building blocks under 25 years old. They must sort out Trae Young’s future, but fans should be excited by the new front office’s work in year one.
Hawks fans can stop dreaming about what Bufkin could do. He is now in Brooklyn for no cost. Atlanta has an open roster spot to add more talent. If they get a difference-maker, the front office will be thanking Sean Marks and the Nets. This absolutely fleecing opened up options for the Hawks, and Saleh is ready to capitalize.
The Atlanta Hawks keep making wise moves. Their future is bright, and excitement will keep building. This was just Onsi Saleh’s latest genius move. Fans should stay tuned to see what is next. The Hawks are certainly ready to compete, and the best is still yet to come.