The Atlanta Hawks are trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for forward Dorian Finney-Smith, ESPN’s Shams Charania reports.
The Hawks make the move to fortify their frontcourt a day after they announced that backup rookie center Henri Veesaar suffered a torn ACL.
Finney-Smith, 32, is a veteran 3-and-D forward who could earn a rotation spot in Atlanta. For his career, he’s averaged 8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks while shooting 35.9% from 3 in 27.3 minutes per game. He played a limited role with the Houston Rockets last season, averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game.
The Hornets, meanwhile, add backcourt depth after trading starting point guard LaMelo Ball in the offseason.
Hield, 33, has seen a significant production dropoff in recent years from his prime, but he remains an effective 3-point shooter when given playing time. A 39.5% career shooter from 3, Hield shot 34.9.% on 4.2 attempts per game while averaging 7.6 points and 2.3 rebounds in 51 games with the Warriors and Hawks last season. He’ll provide the Hornets with 3-point shooting off the bench.
The Hawks acquired Nembhard and and Luguentz Dort in the offseason trade that sent Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks. Nembhard did not play for the Hawks.
In 60 appearances including 27 starts with Dallas last season, the undrafted rookie point guard out of Gonzaga averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists while shooting 41.5% from the field and 35.6% from 3. He’ll provide Charlotte with depth behind starting point guard Coby White.
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