The Atlanta Hawks have quietly locked in Buddy Hield’s full $9.66 million salary for next season, and league insiders say that number is less about keeping the 33-year-old shooter and more about using him as a trade sweetener.
Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported Sunday that the Hawks are involved in multiple trade scenarios where Hield’s expiring money could help balance the books. “Definitely hearing the Hawks are involved in several trade scenarios that could end up utilizing Buddy Hield’s salary for 2026-27,” Fischer wrote.
Atlanta and Hield recently pushed back the guarantee deadline on the rest of his deal, which originally only had $3 million locked in. By fully guaranteeing the full amount now, the Hawks essentially turned Hield into a movable contract — a $9.66 million chip that can match salaries in a trade without requiring the other team to take back long-term money.
Hield came to Atlanta in February as part of the deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga from Golden State to the Hawks. In seven games with his new team, the former Oklahoma sharpshooter averaged 5.1 points in 7.3 minutes off the bench. Not exactly a core piece. But as a rental with a manageable salary, he’s got value.
What the Hawks Need Next
Atlanta’s surprising playoff run this season — led by young guys like Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu — showed the front office that this group might be closer than anyone expected. The frontcourt is where they’re thin. Names like Jalen Duren, Domantas Sabonis, Trey Murphy III, Aaron Gordon, and Yves Missi have been floated as potential targets.
Hield alone won’t land any of those guys. But combined with one of Atlanta’s younger assets or a future pick, he becomes the salary filler that makes the numbers work. That’s the whole game in the modern NBA: matching dollars while adding talent.
The Hawks already added Aaron Wiggins from Oklahoma City and drafted Kingston Flemings and Zuby Ejiofor. They’re not done. Using Hield’s guaranteed money to make one more move before training camp feels like the logical next step.
Whether that move comes this week or closer to the deadline, the Hawks have made their intentions clear. They’re not treating Hield as a permanent piece. They’re treating him as a tool.
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