On Wednesday afternoon, the Hawks announced that Kobe Bufkin will undergo surgery and miss the rest of the season, leaving a gaping hole at backup point guard as the trade deadline approaches.
“After continued evaluation and additional medical opinions, guard Kobe Bufkin and the Hawks have determined that Bufkin will undergo surgery to address right shoulder instability on January 7, 2025. He will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season and is expected to make a full recovery for the 2025-26 season.”
The Hawks drafted Bukfin 15th overall in 2023, but he was limited to 17 appearances in his rookie year due to multiple injuries. He did spend some time in the G League, averaging 23.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds over 32.0 minutes in 14 games for the College Park Skyhawks.
He’s only appeared in 10 games this season, and it’s another lost year for Kobe Bufkin. He is under contract for $4.3 million this season and $4.5 million next year, with a $6.9 million fourth-year option for the 2026-27 season.
The Hawks aren’t expected to be significant buyers at the trade deadline, but a backup point guard is now a priority. Vit Krejci will likely still get those minutes, with Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson potentially getting more ball handling opportunities.
A backup point guard shouldn’t require much capital to acquire, and the Hawks have multiple moveable contracts. Markelle Fultz is still a free agent, and the former top overall pick finished with 7.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per contest while shooting 47.2% from the field and 22.2% from three-point range in 43 games for the Magic last season. Dennis Smith Jr. signed a G League contract but is also available for the Hawks to sign without giving up any assets in a trade.
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Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire
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