The Chicago Bulls have secured veteran guard Buddy Hield along with cash considerations from the Charlotte Hornets, sending guard Rob Dillingham in return, according to an announcement made by both organizations on Sunday.
This deal marks another move for Hield, coming just five days after he was traded from Atlanta to Charlotte. The 33-year-old now heads to a Chicago squad that is undergoing a rebuild under fresh leadership following a 31-51 finish last season.
Chicago Bulls finalize Buddy Hield acquisition
Last season, Hield suited up for both Golden State and Atlanta, participating in 51 games while posting an average of 7.6 points. He had earlier been shifted from the Warriors to the Hawks in February before another trade occurred on Tuesday.
Over recent months, Chicago has seen shifts in its basketball leadership. Bryson Graham took on the role of executive vice president of basketball operations in May, and Tiago Splitter was named head coach in June.
During the offseason, the Bulls also brought in young prospects, picking Caleb Wilson and Dailyn Swain in the first round of the June draft. Later, they added Norman Powell through free agency.
Buddy Hield becomes part of Chicago Bulls rebuild
Hield offers veteran presence to a Bulls lineup that is being restructured under new management. His addition follows a season where Chicago went 31-51.
The seasoned guard has switched teams twice within a week, initially going from Atlanta to Charlotte and then to Chicago in this latest transaction.
Chicago’s recent actions include adjustments at the executive and coaching levels, plus reinforcements via the draft and free agency.
Rob Dillingham heads to the Charlotte Hornets
Dillingham, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday in January, was taken eighth overall in the 2024 NBA Draft. Chicago obtained him from Minnesota in February as part of the deal that involved Ayo Dosunmu.
Hailing from North Carolina, he averaged 6.3 points and 2.2 assists over 65 games last season. Now, he joins a Charlotte team that concluded the season at 44-38.
The Hornets achieved their first winning record since 2021-22 and edged the Miami Heat 127-126 in the NBA play-in tournament before their campaign ended against the Orlando Magic in the subsequent matchup.
The Charlotte Hornets move forward after a winning season
Dillingham lands in Charlotte following the Hornets’ 44-38 season, their first winning one since 2021-22.
Their playoff journey kicked off with a one-point win over Miami in the play-in tournament. Charlotte then fell to Orlando in the next contest.
As a result, the trade sends Hield to Chicago amid the Bulls’ rebuilding efforts, while Dillingham goes to a Charlotte organization fresh off its first winning season in several years.