Hawks Reconsider Kobe Bufkin, Raptors Ownership Timeline and Other Eastern Conference Updates
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The Atlanta Hawks have altered their stance on former first-round guard Kobe Bufkin, warming to the idea of moving him shortly after the 2025 Las Vegas Summer League, league sources told RG.org. Bufkin averaged 19.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists in four summer appearances, but shot just 35.5% from the field and 25.9% from three-point range. Concerned about immediate contention in what is viewed as a wide-open Eastern Conference, Atlanta questioned whether the 21-year-old could contribute right away.
According to those sources, the Hawks eventually dealt Bufkin to the Brooklyn Nets; the Indiana Pacers also expressed interest before the trade was finalized.
With Bufkin gone, Atlanta plans to lean on Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard as primary reserves behind All-Star point guard Trae Young. Team officials envision Alexander-Walker handling a larger offensive workload than he carried with Minnesota last season and have had him working extensively with the coaching staff to prepare for that role.
Raptors Ownership Shift
Larry Tanenbaum, governor of the Toronto Raptors and chairman of the NBA’s Board of Governors, is contractually required to begin selling his remaining 20% stake in Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment to Rogers Communications by July 7, 2026, Sportsnet.ca reports. While speculation suggests the process could start earlier, Rogers—already holding 75% of MLSE after increasing its share from 37.5% one year ago—is on track to control nearly the entire company.
Nets’ Long-Term Core
In Brooklyn, The New York Post’s Brian Lewis outlines which players fit the organization’s future plans. Guard Cam Thomas is considered unlikely to stay beyond the 2025-26 season, while prospects Egor Demin, Nolan Traore and the club’s anticipated 2026 lottery selection are viewed as foundational pieces.
Heat Weigh Andrew Wiggins Rumors
As trade chatter links Andrew Wiggins to the Los Angeles Lakers, South Florida Sun Sentinel reporter Ira Winderman argues Miami would be better served retaining the forward rather than accepting a package centered on Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht.
These developments underline the shifting priorities across the conference as teams refine rosters ahead of training camp.
Source: Hoops Rumors
