Overview
- The Atlanta Hawks traded Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Dorian Finney‑Smith in a confirmed deal that sent Finney‑Smith to Atlanta.
- Charlotte immediately flipped Hield to the Chicago Bulls for rookie Rob Dillingham and then waived Dillingham days after acquiring him.
- The Hornets also waived undrafted guard Ryan Nembhard after the initial trade, and reports say he cleared waivers and is free to sign elsewhere.
- Dillingham’s roughly $28 million rookie contract and Charlotte’s need to get under the 15‑player regular‑season limit were cited as key reasons for the rapid cuts.
- The sequence shows how late roster and cap mechanics can displace young players, create two‑way or low‑cost opportunities for other teams, and force quick roster churn that affects player development and job security.