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The transaction marks a significant roster shift for both franchises as they look to adjust their salary cap flexibility and personnel depth. While the Hawks look to integrate Finney-Smith into their rotation, the Hornets are expected to waive Nembhard following the completion of the trade.
Financial implications and player backgrounds
The financial mechanics of the deal provide both teams with new flexibility. According to reports, the Atlanta Hawks have generated a $2.1 million trade exception, while the Charlotte Hornets are expected to create a $4.5 million trade exception as a result of the exchange.
For the Hawks, the move brings in Finney-Smith, who had been acquired by Charlotte earlier in the offseason via a trade with the Houston Rockets. The veteran wing, who missed the first two months of the previous season while with Houston, is currently tied to a three-year, $53 million contract. His deal includes a player option for the 2028-29 season.
Buddy Hield departs Atlanta after a brief stint with the organization. Hield, who arrived in Atlanta following a trade involving Kristaps Porzingis and the Golden State Warriors, appeared in only seven games for the Hawks last season. He is owed approximately $9.5 million for the upcoming season and holds a player option worth just over $10 million for the 2027-28 campaign.
Ryan Nembhard, the 23-year-old undrafted rookie, moves on after a season where he averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists across 19.5 minutes per game. He had originally joined the Hawks as part of a complex three-team deal that involved the Dallas Mavericks and the Oklahoma City Thunder, which saw Zaccharie Risacher head to Dallas and Luguentz Dort arrive in Atlanta.
