Image Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Brooklyn Nets Acquire Kobe Bufkin from Atlanta Hawks for Cash Considerations

Bufkin was picked 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks.

Image Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

The Brooklyn Nets are reportedly acquiring shooting guard Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks for cash considerations. His move to the Nets will give him fresh opportunities following a disappointing two-season stint with the Hawks where he battled injuries. Bufkin, 21, was picked 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft following a remarkable final collegiate season with Michigan.

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

However, he couldn’t keep up with the expectations and averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in only 27 total games played. He shot just 37.4% from the field and 22.0% from beyond the arc.

This looks like just another offseason move made by the Nets in order to reposition themselves ahead of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. It has also left the Hawks with a major loophole. Kobe Bufkin was set to enter the third year of his NBA career as one of the only traditional point guards for the team.

Though he wouldn’t have been in the immediate rotation for the team, Hawks don’t have any choice if Trae Young goes to the bench. However, it seems that they took the risk trusting the abilities of Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson. With Bufkin’s trade, the Hawks freed up $4.5 million in salary cap space. It also put them $7.7 million under the luxury tax.

They now have a $5.1 million “bi-annual exception” available to use. There are a few free agents available on the list, including Russell Westbrook, as well as Dennis Smith Jr. and Delon Wright. They might be effective options for Atlanta heading into a brand new NBA season.

What Does Kobe Bufkin’s Acquisition Mean for Brooklyn Nets?

The Brooklyn Nets are still in their development mode. It means that they are focusing on building a reliable squad rather than winning a championship right away. During the 2025 NBA draft, they set a franchise record with five first round picks in a single draft. However, it seems that they solely don’t want to rely on those picks and want to continue exploring options.

They consider the 21-year-old a worthy gamble option who has the ability to do better in the future. While he has had his struggles with the Hawks, his dribbling and decision making make him a promising player. The guard needs to work on improving his shooting splits, and he is expected to get ample opportunities with the Nets to do so.

As Brooklyn opens its 2025-26 preseason against the Phoenix Suns on October 10, and regular season against the Charlotte Hornets on October 22, Bufkin is expected to do wonders for his new team.

Atlanta Hawks

Brooklyn Nets

Kobe Bufkin

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.