Kobe Bufkin

Kobe Bufkin (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The Brooklyn Nets have acquired guard Kobe Bufkin from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for cash considerations, sources confirm to RG. 

Atlanta had resisted interest in the 6-foot-4 guard earlier this summer, but his play at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas altered the team’s outlook, sources told RG. Still only 21 and turning 22 on Sept. 21, Bufkin showed some flashes of the scoring and playmaking that made him a 2023 lottery pick, but the level of efficiency he displayed wasn’t up to the standard the team had hoped to see. Atlanta, however, is focused on immediate veteran impact in a wide-open Eastern Conference. 

Summer League was Bufkin’s first legitimate five-on-five action since undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery in December. He averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in four games, highlighted by a 29-point outing against Miami and a 25-point performance against Houston. He shot 35.5% from the floor and 25.9% from beyond the arc, but converted at a 96.4% clip on free throws while attempting 7.0 per game. 

Indiana, searching for guard depth after Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles injury, was among the teams monitoring him, sources told RG. 

Atlanta plans to move forward with Luke Kennard and Nickeil Alexander-Walker taking on consistent ball-handling responsibilities in addition to Trae Young, sources tell RG. The Hawks’ coaching staff has worked closely with Alexander-Walker in Toronto ahead of taking on a more expanded offensive role than he held with the Minnesota Timberwolves. 

The Nets take on Bufkin’s $4.5 million salary, pushing them above the NBA’s minimum salary floor. Brooklyn still has about $11.6 million in cap space and must decide by Oct. 31 whether to exercise his $6.9 million option for the 2026-27 season. 

With 15 guaranteed contracts already in place and several players on non-guaranteed deals — including the expected addition of Ricky Council IV — the Nets will have roster decisions to make before opening night.

Bufkin appeared in only 10 games for Atlanta last season, averaging 5.3 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.3% from the field. Across two years, he played just 27 games for the Hawks, though he averaged 23.6 points in 14 G League appearances.

The Hawks generate a $4.5 million trade exception as part of the deal and gain added flexibility below the luxury tax line. Atlanta now has 10 players on guaranteed contracts as training camp approaches, leaving room for competition and potential depth signings.