Hawks, Hornets discuss swap sending Hield to Charlotte

Atlanta and Charlotte have had on-and-off talks all summer about sending Buddy Hield to the Hornets for Dorian Finney-Smith, per Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. The deal isn't finalized but remains alive. An earlier version reportedly included Devin Carter, but Atlanta waived him this month and he signed with Boston.

Both teams are trying to reach regular-season cap compliance before camp. Hield is owed $9.7 million this season with a likely $10.1 million player option next year.

Finney-Smith makes $13.3 million with two years left, only $3.1 million of the final year guaranteed. For Atlanta, the motivation is shedding Hield's salary since Finney-Smith's deal is far less guaranteed beyond this season.

Charlotte already has 16 fully guaranteed contracts, making it unlikely Hield sticks on the regular-season roster even if the trade goes through.