Fresh NBA Rumors Update Buddy Hield, Hawks Contract Buzz After Midseason Trade from Warriors

The Atlanta Hawks reportedly have made a decision regarding Buddy Hield's contract.

Per HoopsHype's Michael Scotto, the Hawks plan to fully guarantee Hield's $9.66 million salary.

The Hawks' decision to guarantee Hield's salary isn't necessarily an indication that they plan to keep him in Atlanta. After all, he played just seven games with the team last season and was mostly out of the rotation.

NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that he's been "hearing the Hawks are involved in several trade scenarios that could end up utilizing Buddy Hield's salary for 2026-27.

After the 2026-27 campaign, Hield has a $10 million player option for 2027-28 before hitting free agency the following year.

The 10-year veteran has been a journeyman for much of his career, and it seems that trend might continue this offseason. Hield, the No. 6 overall pick in 2016, has played for six teams in his career, including four different teams since 2024.

His production has dropped off quite a bit from his time with the Kings. Across 51 games with the Warriors and Hawks last season, he put up just 7.6 points in 16.1 minutes per contest. Hield also shot a career-worst 34.9 percent from deep.

But given the right scenario, Hield could return to being a productive player off the bench. While his shooting numbers weren't quite as good last year, he's a career 39.5 percent shooter from deep, and just about every team in the league could use that kind of sharpshooting.

Whether the Hawks will bring him back for another season or send him elsewhere remains to be seen.