Overview
- The Chicago Bulls traded guard Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash in a deal announced Sunday.
- Hield is a proven perimeter threat who has made about 2,201 career three‑pointers and is on a roughly $9.7 million contract for 2026‑27 with a near $10 million player option for 2027‑28.
- Charlotte waived Dillingham the day after acquiring him, a move the team made to reduce roster guarantees and open cap flexibility ahead of training camp.
- Reports say the Hornets created roughly a $9.4–9.6 million trade exception and took in about $3 million less salary in the swap while Chicago received cash to cover part of the salary gap.
- If Dillingham clears waivers he will become an unrestricted free agent with Charlotte remaining responsible for his 2026‑27 salary, and the sequence highlights how late‑offseason cap mechanics can displace young players on the fringe of rosters.