The Hawks made a notable splash on Sunday morning by trading rookie guard Kobe Bufkin. They dealt him to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations. Bufkin’s choice as the 15th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft marks a drastic change. This decision is perhaps the most significant moment in his career. That trade is part of a flurry of moves from both teams as they reshape their rosters in preparation for the 2020-21 season.
This season Bufkin’s contract with the Indiana is $5.4 million. He’s lit it up in limited action since entering the league three years ago. Despite appearing in only 27 games with the Hawks over the last two seasons, he has demonstrated his scoring ability, averaging 23.6 points per game in 14 G League appearances during the 2023-24 season. His play in the G League shows that he’s capable of being a high-level NBA contributor to whichever team he suits up for next season.
The young guard has a team option $6.9 million in 2026-27. This gives the Nets enormous flexibility when it comes to planning their current and future roster. The financial piece will very much dictate how the Nets build their roster. We hope they will be more mindful of this consideration in future years.
The Hawks’ decision to trade Bufkin indicates a strategic shift as they focus on optimizing their current lineup and financial commitments. The Hawks direction heading into the new season. They look to round out their roster with new talent and provide opportunities for some of their other players to step up and play ball!
For Bufkin, this trade sends him to a city and organization where he can get a fresh start. If it works out, he’ll justly have the opportunity to prove himself and earn a more important role within the Nets organization in the future. His move to Brooklyn might be the most consequential move for him as he continues to grow into a player.
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