Kobe Bufkin was supposed to start this season as a Hawk.
Unfortunately for Bufkin, this just wasn't his timeline. As a young and developing prospect, the backcourt that was once wide open after Dejounte Murray's departure not too long ago suddenly became stuffed with veteran talent.
Hawks' GM Onsi Saleh took note of this unusual circumstance this summer and was quick to rectify the situation in a manner that benefited both parties.
In a recent presser, Saleh had nothing but praise for the youngster in the wake of their recent moves. "We wish Kobe the best. He's an amazing human being," Saleh said, "It gives Kobe a better pathway to play... we're really excited for the outcome for Kobe."
Bufkin suddenly finds himself in an environment that can be described as nothing short of a vast void of talent - the Brooklyn Nets. While some players have stood out as promising ancillary talent, the Nets lack that true playmaker to set the table for their other scorers (of which, they have many).
The Hawks also improved their future outlook
In addition to granting Bufkin an untapped opportunity to develop in Brooklyn, Saleh was able to create a degree of roster and financial flexibility for the organization. He had this to say in the recent presser: "With that trade... we were thinking about the cap flexibility. Gives us more space to the apron as well."
While many fans are certainly familiar with the novel, daunting second apron, the first apron remains a threat for front offices, albeit representing a lesser degree of urgency. Following the Bufkin deal, the Hawks now sit comfortably at $180,176,475, tangibly below the $195,945,000 first apron.
The threat of the first apron still looms for Atlanta throughout the course of the season and will no doubt shape their moves as the year progresses. Hindrances such as losing the ability to use their biannual exception, acquiring players in sign-and-trades, and trading outgoing salary for a greater amount than the incoming total are all slightly less of a threat for Saleh now.
Onsi concluded his thoughts on Kobe in saying "we're really excited about the outcome for Kobe, and we're excited for the flexibility that we created too."
All told, Hawks fans should thank Onsi for the deal - not only do they get to have an extra degree of flexibility to have a chance to make a splash at the deadline, but they can also continue to support Bufkin in his newfound opportunity - it's rather unlikely that Brooklyn will challenge the Hawks for a playoff spot.