After the Atlanta Hawks decided to swing for the fences this season, Kobe Bufkin's role within the team became much more unclear. Bufkin, the team's 15th pick in the 2023 draft, has averaged 5.0 points and 1.7 assists a night on 37.4% from the field and 22% from three through 27 games.
Despite the potential Bufkin possesses, he has not produced at the NBA level. Even worse, Atlanta's backcourt rotation became so crowded that he had no realistic path to meaningful minutes. Ultimately, his salary was dumped for cash considerations.
While the trade is rational considering Bufkin's level of play and competition for playing time, what doesn't make sense is the return package.