The Atlanta Hawks shook up the NBA trade deadline, but not in the way Clippers fans were hoping. While the Hawks were busy making moves with the Warriors and Lakers, including deals involving Jonathan Kuminga and Kristaps Porzingis, as well as Luke Kennard for Gabe Vincent, two names that drew plenty of attention-Buddy Hield and Vincent-are staying put in Atlanta.
According to a report from Jake Fischer, the Hawks plan to retain both veterans. That means no buyout, no waiver wire drama, and no last-minute additions for teams like the Clippers hoping to bolster their playoff push.
Let’s start with Buddy Hield. He was the name that really had Clippers fans buzzing.
And it’s easy to see why-Hield is one of the league’s premier three-point shooters, a proven floor-spacer with a track record of consistency and durability. He’s averaging eight points in just over 17 minutes per game this season, and more importantly, he’s been remarkably available over the past two years.
In a league where availability is almost as valuable as ability, that matters.
For a team like the Clippers, who just added Darius Garland and are looking to fine-tune their perimeter attack heading into the postseason, Hield would’ve been a perfect fit. His ability to stretch the floor, knock down shots off the catch, and keep defenses honest would have made life easier for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George-not to mention Garland, who thrives with space to operate.
But Atlanta’s not letting go. And that’s frustrating for Clippers fans, because Hield isn’t just a shooter-he’s a veteran presence, a guy who’s played meaningful minutes on multiple teams, including stints in Sacramento and Golden State. He’s never worn a Clippers jersey, but there was a sense this could’ve been the moment.
Still, this doesn’t mean the Clippers are out of options. The buyout market is very much in play, and LA has a recent history of making smart additions here.
Think Ben Simmons. Think Russell Westbrook.
Both joined the team via buyout and contributed in meaningful ways. So while Hield won’t be walking through the door, there’s still time-and opportunity-for the Clippers to round out their roster.
And let’s not forget: LA has already made some serious noise this deadline. The James Harden blockbuster and the Chris Paul-related move were both designed to clear space and reshape the supporting cast around Kawhi. The front office is clearly in go-for-it mode, and they’re not done yet.
The reality is, there are still multiple avenues for the Clippers to improve. Whether it’s through a buyout, a smaller trade, or internal development, the mission remains the same-build a deep, versatile roster that can support Leonard and make a serious run in the West.
So yes, Buddy Hield would’ve been a nice piece. But his retention in Atlanta isn’t a deal-breaker.
If anything, it just sharpens the focus on what comes next. The Clippers know what they need-and they’ve got the tools to go get it.