Hawks reportedly trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard to Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith
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 made the move to fortify their frontcourt a day after they announced 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.
Finney-Smith has three years including a player option remaining on a four-year, $52.7 million contract.
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.
Hield will provide the Hornets with 3-point shooting off the bench. He has two years, including a player option, remaining on a four-year, $37.8 million contract.
The Hawks acquired Nembhard and Luguentz Dort in the three-team 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 as an undrafted rookie, Nembhard 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.
Nembhard has one year and $2.1 million remaining on his two-year rookie contract.
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