The Atlanta Hawks’ busy 2025 offseason continued Monday afternoon, as ESPN insider Shams Charania announced the franchise is trading 21-year-old guard Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations.
Bufkin hasn’t been able to stay healthy early in his career, appearing in just 27 games over two seasons. Drafted 15th overall in 2023, he now heads to a rebuilding Nets squad that loaded up on guards in this year’s draft. Brooklyn is hoping that this is a low-risk, high-reward move pays off in the future, while Atlanta opens up a roster spot and moves further away from the luxury tax line.
Hawks Trade 2023 First-Round Pick Kobe Bufkin To Nets For Cash
As previously alluded to, Bufkin’s unfortunate injury history has derailed his development.
The Atlanta Hawks are trading guard Kobe Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets for cash considerations, sources tell ESPN. Bufkin was Atlanta’s No. 15 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, and this now gives him a fresh opportunity in Brooklyn, and the Hawks some roster flexibility. pic.twitter.com/5km2RMICrS
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 15, 2025
As a rookie, he suffered fractures in his left thumb and big toe. This January, he underwent season-ending surgery to address right shoulder instability. At the same time, the Hawks have been a playoff contender and made another batch of big offseason moves to put themselves in a position to contend in the immediate future. Consequently, Bufkin became expendable as he sat on the outskirts of the rotation.
With Bufkin out, the Hawks will consider myriad options when Trae Young heads to the bench, including two-way playmakers Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
New Beginnings
Bufkin has shown off real defensive potential in his limited time on the NBA hardwood. At 6-foot-4, he moves his feet well and displays great instincts as a helpside defender. However, he’s never found his offensive rhythm. In his short career, he’s shooting just 37.4 percent from the field and 22.0 percent from 3. The Grand Rapids native also lacks the quick, explosive burst to consistently get by his man.
He will look to turn his career around in Brooklyn.
Financial Implications
The Hawks create a $4.5 million traded player exception (TPE) with this move.
The Hawks will create a $4.5M Trade Exception with the trade of Kobe Bufkin to Brooklyn.
Roster update
Guaranteed contracts: 10
Partial/non: 3
Exhibit 10: 3
Two-way: 3— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) September 15, 2025
They also move further below the luxury tax, giving them more flexibility to sign free agents with training camp around the corner. For example, if Atlanta is seeking a backup point guard, free agent veterans Russell Westbrook and Cameron Payne remain available. With just 10 guaranteed contracts, a $13.1 million TPE from the Bogdan Bogdanović trade, and a $6.7 million TPE from the Clint Capela move, the Hawks have plenty of routes they can go..
Friendly Competition in Brooklyn
The Nets loaded up on point guards this summer, drafting BYU’s Egor Demin, Saint-Quentin’s Nolan Traoré, and Ratiopharm Ulm’s Ben Saraf. They also have notable shooting guards, including Cam Thomas and Terance Mann. Bufkin joins this backcourt group hoping to establish a consistent role.
The Nets have 10 guards with a little over a week until Training Camp.
Cam Thomas
— Anthony Puccio (@APOOCH) September 15, 2025
Leaning heavily into a rebuild, Brooklyn just wants any of these guards to pop. They’ll look at myriad lineup configurations just to see which of their prospects make up its future core.
© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
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