Hawks, Hornets swap veterans in three-player trade

Buddy Hield. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Hawks, Hornets swap veterans in three-player trade

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Sep 22, 2026 4:59 PM ET

After a day of reports indicating a trade was being discussed, the Charlotte Hornets and Atlanta Hawks agreed Tuesday to a deal that will send two veterans on the move along with a young player still trying to find his footing.

Hornets, Hawks complete three-player trade

According to ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania, Charlotte and Atlanta have agreed to a trade that will send guards Buddy Hield (33) and Ryan Nembhard (23) to Charlotte in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith (33).

Hield, a 10-year veteran, will now join the seventh team of his career and Finney-Smith, also a 10-year veteran, will join the fifth team of his career.

Despite being drafted just one season ago in 2025, Nembhard will be joining his third team of his NBA career.

The Atlanta Hawks are trading Buddy Hield, Ryan Nembhard and cash to the Charlotte Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/bf3zzlZgVK
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2026

Which veteran will have the biggest impact on their new team?

With the two veterans in Hield and Finney-Smith swapping teams, it'll be intriguing to see which of the two makes a bigger impact for their new team.

Finney-Smith will give Atlanta an athletic defensive wing, while Hield will give an already high-powered Charlotte offense another three-point shooting weapon off the bench.

Depending on the season goes for each team, an argument could be made either way as to which veteran will play a bigger role in Year 12.

Where does Ryan Nembhard fit in with Charlotte?

Unfortunately for Nembhard, he's already been traded twice this offseason, and this most recent one likely won't increase his chances at playing time.

The Hornets already have an extreme amount of depth without Nembhard, meaning he really has an uphill battle to climb to make the roster and earn playing time.

It is an unfortunate career trajectory for Nembhard, as he averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists per game in his rookie season. Charlotte may find a trade partner for Nembhard later this season to give him a chance to thrive elsewhere.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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