Bulls Trade Rob Dillingham to Hornets for Buddy Hield in Surprise NBA Move

The Chicago Bulls are making another significant adjustment to their backcourt, trading Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets for veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield and cash considerations, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The deal arrives just before NBA training camps open, giving both teams a chance to reshape their rosters before the 2026-27 season gets underway.

Bulls Add Veteran Shooting

Chicago is acquiring one of the NBA's most experienced perimeter shooters.

Hield enters his 11th NBA season and has made 2,201 career three-pointers, ranking 15th on the league's all-time list. He has shot 39.5% from three-point range throughout his career on significant volume.

His role with Chicago is expected to provide another established shooting option in a young roster.

Hield averaged 7.6 points and 1.4 assists in 51 games last season, splitting the campaign between Golden State and Atlanta. He had only recently been traded from Atlanta to Charlotte before being moved again.

In other words, Hield has spent the week collecting NBA addresses.

Dillingham Gets Fresh Start in Charlotte

For Charlotte, the move is about giving Rob Dillingham another opportunity to develop.

Dillingham was selected eighth overall by San Antonio in the 2024 NBA Draft before being traded to Minnesota on draft night. The Timberwolves subsequently sent him to Chicago at the February 2026 trade deadline.

He played 30 games for the Bulls last season, averaging 9.6 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 21.5 minutes per game.

The 21-year-old now joins his third NBA team and will look to establish himself in Charlotte's backcourt.

What the Trade Means Financially

The transaction also gives Charlotte additional salary flexibility.

NBA.com reported that the Hornets are expected to create a trade exception worth roughly $9.6 million, while taking approximately $3 million less in salary. Chicago also receives cash to help cover the salary difference.

That financial flexibility could become useful as Charlotte continues reshaping its roster.

For Chicago, meanwhile, the immediate attraction is straightforward: shooting and experience.

A New Chapter for Both Players

Dillingham's departure marks the end of a short Chicago stint, while Hield arrives after moving from Golden State to Atlanta and then Charlotte in quick succession.

The Bulls are betting on proven three-point production from a veteran, while the Hornets are taking a chance on a young former lottery pick whose NBA career is still developing.

With training camp just around the corner, both players will have little time to settle in before the focus shifts to the new season.