Atlanta Hawks Media Day is officially less than one week away, but the team is not set for the season.
Atlanta still has 16 players on the roster for 15 available spots, and the overcrowded roster has been the biggest question mark over the last month. However, the latest reporting suggests Atlanta is still looking to add depth before the 2026-27 NBA campaign begins.
NBA insider reveals Hawks and Hornets have held trade talks
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Atlanta and the Charlotte Hornets have discussed a potential trade involving Buddy Hield and Dorian Finney-Smith. The insider noted it "remains unclear" whether both sides will agree on terms before training camp starts next week.
Among our latest items, Atlanta and Charlotte have held trade talks surrounding Buddy Hield for Dorian Finney-Smith, sources say. It remains unclear whether an agreement will be struck before training camps open: https://t.co/viDsP7EApH https://t.co/K6xRPW5oTb
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) September 20, 2026
The Hawks fully guaranteed Hield's contract earlier this summer, opting against paying $3.0 million to waive him.
This move signaled the front office would look to trade the veteran sharpshooter this summer. If Hield remains on the roster for $9.7 million and sits on the bench this season, it would not be a great look for Atlanta. However, if the Hawks can flip the veteran sharpshooter for Finney-Smith, guaranteeing Hield's could prove valuable.
Finney-Smith is going into his second year of a four-year, $52.7 million contract. He holds a $13.3 million player option for the 2028-29 campaign. Even though the Hawks would have to take on long-term money in this deal, they lack small forward depth, and that is exactly what Finney-Smith could provide.
Diving into Finney-Smith's potential role in Atlanta
Finney-Smith embodies the phrase "3-and-D" role player. He does not create shots for himself at an elevated clip, but he knocks down open 3-pointers and defends multiple positions at a high level. The veteran forward shoots 35.9% from deep on 4.2 attempts over his 10-year NBA career. At 6 feet 7 inches and 220 pounds, Finney-Smith could slot in at small forward for Quin Snyder this season.
The Hawks lack a traditional "3-and-D" forward on the roster. Lugentz Dort and Aaron Wiggins could play the three, but they are shorter than most forwards. Corey Kispert can certainly torch teams from deep at small forward, but his defensive shortcomings proved detrimental last season. Finney-Smith gives Atlanta a great mix of floor spacing and defensive toughness as a two-way forward.
Wiggins and Dort likely share minutes at backup small forward this season. However, Wiggins is not an ideal matchup for bigger, stronger threes, and Dort's inconsistent outside shot could disrupt the Hawks' spacing. Finney-Smith can solve both of these issues.
The veteran forward often guards the scoring wings on the opposing team. He would add even more depth to Atlanta's already dangerous perimeter defense with Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Dort.
Like many deals, this trade comes with some risk attached. Finney-Smith is 33 years old with three more years left on his deal. He also had an injury-riddled 2025-26 season for the Houston Rockets, averaging 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 16.8 minutes per game.
The Hawks would need to be confident in Finney-Smith's availability and production to get a deal done.
Add us as a preferred source on Google