As the Atlanta Hawks continue evaluating their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season, Buddy Hield could be a player to monitor in trade discussions. If Atlanta pursues a deal, several players could become potential trade targets.

While there are no reports on whether the Hawks are shopping the sharpshooter around, his name has surfaced in some trade rumors. On June 28, the Hawks fully guaranteed the guard's $9.66 million salary for the 2026-27 season. 

Originally, Atlanta pushed back the guarantee deadline, which allowed both sides to evaluate their options. Hield does have a player option during the 2027-28 season, and if he stays for the remainder of his contract, he can earn up to $19 million if incentives are met. 

Here are potential trade targets the Hawks could acquire in a Hield deal.

Collin Sexton is a name to watch despite his recent signing of a two-year, $19 million contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July. Currently, the Hawks need to work their way to a 15-man roster, and this trade may surface closer to the trade deadline. 

Los Angeles attacked the free agency market, signing guard Quentin Grimes ($60 million), forward Sandro Mamukelashvili ($52 million), forward Matisse Thybulle ($3.3 million), guard Austin Reaves ($180 million), and center Walker Kessler ($129.47 million). If the Lakers don't get off to a hot start or if there is no chemistry, the team could move the smaller contracts.

Atlanta could use Sexton because he provides guard depth for the roster. Right now, the franchise has guards CJ McCollum and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who are combo guards. 

The franchise did draft Kingston Flemings, but he may need time to develop. One area the team could improve on from its run last season is isolation and shot-making outside of McCollum. 

Atlanta finished the 2025-26 season averaging 4.0 isolation points per game, which was 30th in the league. The team also finished 29th in spot-up points per game with 18.2. Sexton is not an offensive solution, but he did average 1.38 isolation points per possession and has a 62.5 percent isolation scoring frequency percentage. 

The Lakers' guard has the ability to create space or initiate his own offense, which is a valuable skill to have as a point guard. He is currently on a two-year, $19.2M contract, which could work for the Hawks. 

Dereck Lively is another name to watch out for because of his athleticism, speed, and ability to dominate the glass. Atlanta's frontcourt may be fully staffed, but they are undersized and could use more rim protection.

The Dallas Mavericks are in transition after moving on from head coach Jason Kidd. With guard Klay Thompson emerging as a potential trade candidate, guard Kyrie Irving returning from injury, and forward Cooper Flagg expected to take on a larger role, the franchise could continue reshaping its roster ahead of the 2026-27 season or before the February trade deadline.

Atlanta could use Lively's services because of their inability to score in the post and their need to improve in the pick-and-roll. Last season, finished 28th in league standings in post-up points per game, averaging 1.7. The team averaged 1.04 pick-and-roll man points per possession. 

Lively can help the team in pick-and-roll situations, which could generate an open shot, a lob, or an easy layup. He finished the 2026-27 season averaging 1.50 post-up points per possession and 77.1 rim percentage in 2024-25.