The Atlanta Hawks are finally ready to leave the NBA Play-In Tournament purgatory and take a big step forward. Thanks to the brilliant offseason moves of general manager Onsi Saleh, the Hawks look poised to be a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference. The additions of Luke Kennard, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Kristaps Porzingis, without giving up any of the core players, will help elevate the Hawks to another level.
However, that doesn't mean that Atlanta doesn't have any weaknesses. While Alexander-Walker and Kennard can take up a lot of the playmaking and ball-handling duties when Trae Young is on the bench, the Hawks could still use a backup point guard.
Kobe Bufkin Is Still a Trade Candidate for the Hawks This Summer
This need is in large part due to the disappointing start of Kobe Bufkin. The former 15th-overall pick has failed to establish himself as an NBA-caliber guard. Even though the Hawks desperately needed him to emerge as a reliable backup, Bufkin hasn't been able to show any flashes during his two-year stint in Atlanta.
Since debuting in 2023, the former Michigan Wolverine has only averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 37.4% from the floor and 22.0% from deep in 27 games without a start.
The above performance is why the Hawks could and should still look to upgrade Bufkin's spot. As things stand now, Bufkin is on the outside looking in with Dyson Daniels, Alexander-Walker, and Kennard likely sharing the backup PG role. However, a more pure point guard who can set the table for the offense on second units would be more preferable.
If Bufkin has any suitors, the Hawks should be willing to accept any trade package in return. If he doesn't, then it wouldn't hurt Atlanta to cut him before August to open up a roster spot.
The Hawks are no longer in developmental mode. They are here to win, and they are more likely to do so with a veteran PG backing Young up rather than the unproven Bufkin.