Trade completed! 2023 first-round pick Bafkin joins the Nets, Hawks receive $110,000 cash

On September 16th Beijing time, according to renowned reporter Shams, the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets have finalized a trade sending 2023 first-round pick Kobe Bafkin to Brooklyn in return for cash considerations. HoopsHype journalist Scotto also disclosed that the Hawks will gain $110,000 through this transaction.

Selected 15th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bafkin has struggled with injuries since entering the league. During his rookie season, he missed numerous games due to a fractured left thumb and a sprained toe; less than two months into his second season, he underwent shoulder surgery which ended his season prematurely.

Bafkin appeared in only 27 games for the Hawks, averaging 11.9 minutes per game with 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, shooting 37.4% from the field, 22.0% from three, and 65.4% from the free-throw line. In the 2023-24 G League season, he played 14 games averaging 23.6 points, showcasing much stronger scoring ability. His true potential exceeds his current output, which is why the Nets are willing to acquire him, hoping he can maintain a healthier condition moving forward.

From a salary cap perspective, the Nets can fully absorb Bafkin’s $4.5 million salary for this season. This signing at least keeps the team’s payroll above the league minimum. His rookie contract also includes a team option worth $6.9 million for the 2026-27 season, which the Nets must decide to exercise by October 31st.

Although acquiring Bafkin poses no salary cap issues for the Nets, this addition intensifies the team’s upcoming roster spot shortage. After the trade takes effect, the Nets will have 15 guaranteed contracts and 4 players on partially guaranteed or non-guaranteed deals, with plans to classify Concel Four as a non-guaranteed player. To finalize the 15-man regular season roster next week, the Nets will need to cut or trade players to reduce roster size.

Currently, the Nets have about $11.6 million in salary cap space, but they can increase this by waiving some players on non-guaranteed or partially guaranteed contracts. However, doing so risks dropping below the league minimum salary, so the team must ensure their payroll exceeds the minimum before the new season opener.

Meanwhile, the Hawks gain a $4.5 million trade exception through this deal, providing extra financial flexibility below the luxury tax threshold and freeing up a roster spot to invite players to training camp for competition.

With Bafkin’s departure, the Hawks’ current roster consists of 10 players on fully guaranteed contracts, Vyt Krejic and Enfali Dante on partially guaranteed deals, Mohammed Gaye on a non-guaranteed contract, and Caleb Houston, Charles Bassett, and Kobe Johnson signed to Exhibit 10 contracts.