BREAKING: Hawks Reportedly Trade Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets

Hawks 2023 first round pick Kobe Bufkin played substantial minutes for the Hawks summer league team, but now finds himself in Brooklyn after a reported trade (Image via nbamaniacs)
​By: Lucas Kochevar

The Hawks are active here a couple weeks before training camp with a trade as they deal Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets. This move creates financial flexibility for the Hawks around the luxury tax and more. The Hawks make this move with the roster implications that they’re happy with the backup point guard position being split up between Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels. 

The Hawks drafted Bufkin with the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Bufkin struggled to contribute to the Hawks as he dealt with injuries through his two seasons. Bufkin averaged around five points and two rebounds in limited action in Atlanta. Bufkin will look for a fresh start in Brooklyn as they’ll be playing a number of young guys to develop in the middle of a rebuild. 

The Hawks new flexibility could help them make a move for a veteran on the open market, now or during the season. The Hawks could also use the new space to extend someone, Trae Young or Dyson Daniels. The Hawks could even use the space to trade for a cap casualty player like they already have this offseason with Kristaps Porzingis. Anything at this time regarding that newly acquired cap space is speculation as the Hawks front office has been tight lipped under general manager Onsi Saleh. 

The Hawks roster now sits at 19 players heading into training camp.