Hawks Dump First-Round Pick’s Salary After Just 2 Seasons

As a rookie, he suffered fractures in his left thumb and big toe. This January, he underwent season-ending surgery to address right shoulder instability. At the same time, the Hawks have been a playoff contender and made another batch of big offseason moves to put themselves in a position to contend in the immediate future. Consequently, Bufkin became expendable as he sat on the outskirts of the rotation.

With Bufkin out, the Hawks will consider myriad options when Trae Young heads to the bench, including two-way playmakers Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

New Beginnings

Bufkin has shown off real defensive potential in his limited time on the NBA hardwood. At 6-foot-4, he moves his feet well and displays great instincts as a helpside defender. However, he’s never found his offensive rhythm. In his short career, he’s shooting just 37.4 percent from the field and 22.0 percent from 3. The Grand Rapids native also lacks the quick, explosive burst to consistently get by his man.

He will look to turn his career around in Brooklyn.

Financial Implications

The Hawks create a $4.5 million traded player exception (TPE) with this move.

They also move further below the luxury tax, giving them more flexibility to sign free agents with training camp around the corner. For example, if Atlanta is seeking a backup point guard, free agent veterans Russell Westbrook and Cameron Payne remain available. With just 10 guaranteed contracts, a $13.1 million TPE from the Bogdan Bogdanović trade, and a $6.7 million TPE from the Clint Capela move, the Hawks have plenty of routes they can go..

Friendly Competition in Brooklyn

The Nets loaded up on point guards this summer, drafting BYU’s Egor Demin, Saint-Quentin’s Nolan Traoré, and Ratiopharm Ulm’s Ben Saraf. They also have notable shooting guards, including Cam Thomas and Terance Mann. Bufkin joins this backcourt group hoping to establish a consistent role.

Leaning heavily into a rebuild, Brooklyn just wants any of these guards to pop. They’ll look at myriad lineup configurations just to see which of their prospects make up its future core.