The Chicago Bulls sent Rob Dillingham to the Charlotte Hornets for Buddy Hield, reflected on the official rosters Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4:59 p.m. ET. The move adds a veteran shooter to a 21-man Bulls roster and hands the Hornets a 21-year-old guard on a 22-man roster.
The deal
The Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets exchanged guards in a deal reflected on the official rosters Sunday, Sept. 27, at 4:59 p.m. ET. Buddy Hield moves to Chicago, and Rob Dillingham moves to Charlotte. Hield, 33, is entering his 10th NBA season. Dillingham, 21, is entering his second season. Hoopsrumors reported the move a day earlier, on Saturday, Sept. 26, under the headline "Bulls Trading Rob Dillingham To Hornets For Buddy Hield." No confidence rating was attached to that report.
What the Bulls get
Chicago adds Buddy Hield, a 33-year-old guard in his 10th NBA season, who averaged 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 16.1 minutes across 51 games last season. Hield carries a $9.7 million cap hit for 2026-27. Rob Dillingham leaves the roster in the move. The Bulls now carry a payroll of $161.5 million across 14 contracts for 2026-27, which keeps them under the salary cap, with 21 players on the roster against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
What the Hornets get
Charlotte adds Rob Dillingham, a 21-year-old guard entering his second NBA season, who averaged 6.3 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 14.9 minutes across 65 games last season. Dillingham carries a $6.9 million cap hit for 2026-27. Buddy Hield leaves the roster in the move. The Hornets now carry a payroll of $173.3 million across 18 contracts for 2026-27, which puts them over the salary cap but under the luxury tax, with 22 players on the roster against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
The money
Chicago's payroll of $161.5 million sits below the $165.0 million salary cap for 2026-27. Charlotte's payroll of $173.3 million sits above the cap but well below the $200.4 million luxury tax line. Both teams remain below the $209.0 million first apron and the $221.7 million second apron.
Who did the Bulls get in the trade?
The Bulls got Buddy Hield, a 33-year-old guard who averaged 7.6 points in 51 games last season, in exchange for Rob Dillingham.
Who did the Hornets get?
The Hornets got Rob Dillingham, a 21-year-old guard who averaged 6.3 points in 65 games last season, in exchange for Buddy Hield.
