The details of the Kobe Bufkin trade raise more questions than they answer. Why did the Atlanta Hawks wait so long to trade for him? Why didn't they accept a rumored offer that was extended in July, centered around Bufkin for Malik Monk? If they were going to receive nothing but cash considerations, why trade him at all?
The move appears to have been made to free up cap space to sign a player while remaining under the luxury tax. But this only makes sense if the Hawks elect to either trade for or sign a player with a contract greater than the minimum, as they can fit any minimum contract without exceeding the luxury tax threshold.