The Chicago Bulls acquired veteran shooter Buddy Hield from the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for guard Rob Dillingham, a move finalized days before training camp amid roster reshaping and salary cap maneuvering.
The trade, reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania and confirmed by multiple outlets, marks the second time Hield has been moved this offseason. The Hornets, seeking to shed salary and create flexibility, received Dillingham—a 21-year-old guard with limited NBA experience—alongside cash considerations. The Bulls, meanwhile, added a veteran presence to bolster their shooting depth as they navigate a rebuild.
The Hornets’ decision to trade Hield, who signed a $9.7 million contract for the 2026-27 season, aligns with their broader effort to reduce payroll. By acquiring Dillingham, the team created a $9.6 million trade exception, a critical tool for future deals. This move follows their earlier acquisition of Hield from the Atlanta Hawks, where he played just 10 games before being traded again. Hield, entering his 11th season, has been traded to his seventh team, according to Source 1.
Report: Hornets send Buddy Hield to Bulls for Rob
The Bulls, under new executive vice president of basketball operations Bryson Graham, prioritize immediate impact. Graham, who inherited the franchise in 2026, made his second player deal since taking over, following a multi-team trade that brought in Nic Claxton without giving up assets. This latest transaction reflects the Bulls’ desire to create a more cohesive team around their young wings, such as Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis, as noted in Source 3.
Hield, a career 39.5% three-point shooter with 7.3 attempts per game, brings experience to a young backcourt. The 33-year-old guard’s ability to space the floor should ease the workload for Wilson and Buzelis, according to a Yahoo Sports analysis cited in Source 5. However, the trade carries risks: Hield’s $10 million player option for the 2027-28 season limits the Bulls’ flexibility, while Dillingham’s $8.8 million team option looms over the Hornets.
The Hornets, projected to drop below the luxury tax by $25.6 million, aim to balance immediate needs with long-term planning. They face roster decisions as they aim to trim to 15 players by October 19. The Hornets could either create a $2.8 million trade exception or use the $8.2 million exception from the Collin Sexton trade, as reported by Bleacher Report in Source 4. The team currently owes standard contracts to 18 players, with Ryan Nembhard and Pat Connaughton expected to be waived, per Source 5.
Dillingham, the No. 8 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, struggled during his 30-game stint with the Bulls, averaging 9.6 points and 2.8 assists. The Hornets, who recently waived Nembhard, see potential in the young guard. A source noted that Dillingham could have a chance for a larger role in Charlotte, citing the team’s emphasis on shooting versatility. The Hornets are one of the most shooting-heavy teams in the NBA, providing an environment where Dillingham could develop, according to Source 5.
Sources Bulls Trade Rob Dillingham Hornets Buddy Hield
The trade reshapes both teams' financial outlooks. The Bulls, now over the salary cap, remain $34 million below the luxury tax, per Spotrac’s analysis. The Hornets, however, face challenges in managing their roster. They received $3 million less in salary from the trade, as outlined in Source 1, and must deal with the complexities of their trade exceptions to accommodate Dillingham's contract.
The Hornets’ strategy of shedding salary and targeting youth reflects their rebuild efforts. A source described the trade as a questionable move
given Dillingham’s limited NBA experience, though the team believes in his potential. The Bulls, in contrast, view Hield as a key addition to their young core. As the 2026-27 season approaches, both franchises will be closely watched to see if their moves pay off, with Hield’s role in Chicago and Dillingham’s development in Charlotte serving as critical factors.
Hield’s journey through multiple teams underscores the volatility of NBA trades. He joined the Hornets via a deal with the Hawks, where he played 10 games before being traded again. His current contract includes a $9.7 million cap hit for 2026-27, with a $10 million player option for 2027-28, as detailed in Source 4. The Bulls, meanwhile, will manage Dillingham’s $6.9 million cap hit after activating his team option, with a decision on his $8.8 million club option due by October 31.
INSTANT GRADE: Bulls Trade for Buddy Hield Days Before
The Hornets’ decision to trade Hield also highlights their focus on creating trade exceptions. By using the $8.2 million exception from the Sexton trade, they could generate a $9.7 million exception for future deals, per Source 4. This flexibility may allow them to pursue additional upgrades or address roster gaps as the season progresses.
For Dillingham, the trade offers a fresh start. The Hornets, known for their shooting-heavy approach, provide an environment where he could develop. If the Hornets do indeed waive him, they will at least have a smaller dead cap figure, CBS Sports noted, though the likelihood of him making the roster remains uncertain. The team’s depth chart and coaching strategies will play a significant role in determining his future with the franchise.
The Bulls' acquisition of Hield signals their commitment to immediate impact, even as they rebuild. With Hield’s shooting ability and veteran presence, the team aims to create a more balanced offense. However, his role will depend on how well he meshes with young stars like Wilson and Buzelis, as noted in Source 5. The Hornets, in turn, are betting on Dillingham’s potential, even as they retain Hield’s veteran leadership.
This trade reflects the evolving strategies of both franchises. The Bulls, under Graham, prioritize immediate impact, while the Hornets focus on long-term flexibility. Hield’s arrival could stabilize Chicago’s backcourt, but his role will depend on how well he adapts to the team’s system. For the Hornets, the move is a gamble on Dillingham’s potential, aligning with their rebuild strategy as they aim to balance youth and experience.