Shams: Bulls get Buddy Hield from Hornets in trade

The Bulls also acquired cash as part of the deal. Chicago gets a veteran shooter in Hield, who was traded by the Hawks earlier this week. He averaged 7.6 points in 51 games last season. Hield can still shoot, but doesn’t offer much more to fantasy managers at this point in his career.

The Hornets create a $9.4 million trade exception as part of the deal. The Bulls get cash to make up for the difference in salaries. Dillingham averaged 9.6 points in 30 games with the Bulls last season. He should have a regular bench role with the Hornets.

The new contract includes a player option for the 2028-29 season, and all but ensures that Curry will end his NBA career with the only franchise he’s played for. Injuries limited him to 43 games last season, but the future Hall of Fame guard appeared in 70 or more in each of the two seasons before that. As long as Curry can remain relatively healthy, he should once again provide fantasy managers with excellent value.

Williams is one of two Hornets ruled out for the preseason due to hamstring injuries; Kon Knueppel is the other. The 6-foot-6 forward suffered a right hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity and will be re-evaluated during the first week of the regular season. While Williams’ injury leaves the Hornets down an option in the frontcourt, it does not significantly impact fantasy basketball.

Given how well Knueppel played as a rookie and the Hornets’ decision to move on from LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, Friday’s news gives his 2026-27 season a brutal start. At a minimum, the runner-up for Rookie of the Year will be sidelined for four weeks, and that’s just for him to be re-evaluated. According to the Hornets, Knueppel suffered the left hamstring injury during an offseason on-court activity. His absence boosts the early-season values of Brandon Miller and Coby White while also making Grayson Allen a more viable late-round option in drafts.

Signed to a two-way contract on August 7, Sharp is still working toward his official NBA debut. The 7-foot-5 center spent the last two training camps with the Mavericks on Exhibit 10 deals, playing for the franchise’s G League affiliate after being waived on both occasions. Waiving Sharp frees up a two-way contract slot for the Clippers, who now have two available.

Friday’s news was unsurprising, as it was reported in late July that the Grizzlies were working with Russell to find the veteran point guard a new home. He appeared in 26 games for the Mavericks last season before being sent to Washington in the Anthony Davis trade. Russell never reported to Washington and was then sent to Memphis as part of a six-team deal in early July. Russell is unlikely to find a situation that makes him fantasy-relevant this season.

The long-time Maverick will have an opportunity to compete for a roster spot when the team opens training camp next week. Powell appeared in 63 games last season, starting 12, and averaged 3.3 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. With Daniel Gafford and Dereck Lively II healthy, and the additions of Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson Jr., Powell faces tough odds to earn rotation minutes if he makes the Opening Night roster.

During Lakers media day, president of basketball operations Rob Pelinka said Kessler is “fully healthy and cleared” to resume all basketball activities. After undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last year, Kessler should enter training camp without restrictions and appears on track to be available for the start of the season. The 24-year-old center spent the first four years of his career with the Utah Jazz, and is expected to have a large role in Los Angeles.

Broome was dealt to the Clippers in July to help keep the 76ers under the aprons, and the only return LA had to part with was cash. That wasn’t enough for them to keep him around, as this move will get them under the roster limit. Broome will likely find a two-way contract on a different team ahead of the season.