NBA training camps are set to open soon, yet a small trade between division rivals has already taken place. The Charlotte Hornets have sent forward Dorian Finney-Smith to the Atlanta Hawks in return for guards Buddy Hield and Ryan Nembhard, a source familiar with the situation revealed to USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday, September 22.
The source requested anonymity since the trade had not been officially announced. Finney-Smith, 33, recognized for his 3-and-D playing style, struggled last season with the Houston Rockets, posting career-low averages in points (3.3 per game), rebounds (2.5), field goal percentage (33.3%), and three-point shooting (27%) over 37 games. Charlotte had just picked him up in July in a cash-related deal.
In exchange, Charlotte, which also competes in the Southeast Division, received two players aimed at enhancing its focus on shooting. Buddy Hield, also 33, has a career 3-point shooting percentage of 39.5%, although he didn’t secure a spot in Atlanta’s rotation after being part of the February trade that brought Jonathan Kuminga to the Hawks and sent Kristaps Porziņģis to the Golden State Warriors.
Ryan Nembhard, who is the younger brother of Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard, was unexpectedly made the starting point guard for the Dallas Mavericks while Kyrie Irving recovered from an ACL injury. An undrafted rookie last season, Nembhard shot 35.6% from three-point range and averaged 6.6 points per game. Like Finney-Smith, he was acquired recently in a July trade that sent the 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.
Fan Take: This swap highlights how NBA teams are strategically adjusting their rosters right before the season begins, emphasizing shooting and versatility. For basketball enthusiasts, it’s intriguing to see how these fresh dynamics between division rivals could impact not only team chemistry but also the competitiveness within the Southeast Division moving forward.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
