The Brooklyn Nets just picked up Kobe Bufkin from Atlanta, and the Hawks didn’t get a player back—they got cash flexibility. Bufkin, the former 15th pick in the 2023 draft, has barely had a chance to prove himself thanks to a string of injuries—thumb, toe, shoulder, you name it. In two seasons, he only suited up 27 times for Atlanta, putting up 5 points a night on rough shooting splits. For the Hawks, moving on was simple business.

For the Hawks, the move was less about talent and more about clearing space and gaining some financial breathing room. Which makes you wonder—what exactly is Bufkin’s net worth and salary that pushed Atlanta to flip him for ‘cash consideration’?

What is Kobe Bufkin’s net worth?

The exact net worth of Kobe Bufkin isn’t publicly available, as personal financial details like assets, investments, and endorsements are private. However, his NBA earnings provide some insight. As the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Bufkin signed a four-year rookie contract with the Atlanta Hawks worth approximately $19.8 million, per NBA salary data. Through the 2024-25 season, he has earned about $8.4 million before taxes and expenses, a solid start for a 21-year-old still establishing himself in the league.

Kobe Bufkin’s contract breakdown

Kobe Bufkin inked a four-year rookie scale deal with the Atlanta Hawks worth $19,801,203, according to Spotrac. The first two years of that contract, valued at $8,393,280, are fully guaranteed, locking in his spot and paycheck no matter what.

The Hawks recently flipped him to Brooklyn without taking back salary, which generated a $4.5 million trade exception. That move also left Atlanta sitting $7.7 million below the luxury-tax line and a cool $15.8 million under the first-apron hard cap, giving them breathing room to negotiate extensions with Dyson Daniels and Kristaps Porzingis.

For the 2023-24 season, Bufkin earned just over $4.09 million, and he’s slated to pull in $4.3 million in 2024-25. The Nets now hold the option for 2025-26 at $4.5 million and another team option for 2026-27 at nearly $6.9 million. If all options are picked up, Bufkin will collect the full value of his deal—$19.8 million total with an average annual salary of $4.95 million.

Contract Terms:

• 4 yr(s) / $19,801,203
• Average Salary: $4,950,301
• Guaranteed at Sign: $8,393,280
• Total Guaranteed: $19,801,203
• Signed Using: Rookie Scale Exception
• Free Agent: 2027 / RFA

Kobe Bufkin’s career earnings

Career earnings through 2025, as per Spotrac, stand at $8,496,274, and the totla earnings would be $19,904,197.

Kobe Bufkin’s NIL deal wort

Kobe Bufkin’s NIL value is pegged at $103K (as of 2023), thanks to a huge 282% rise in just ten weeks that added about $76K. He currently ranks 80th among college basketball players in NIL value, and his growing social media presence—with 16.6K followers split between Instagram (13K) and Twitter (3.6K)—only adds to his marketability.

Kobe Bufkin’s college and professional career

Kobe Bufkin’s basketball journey has been all about steady growth and seizing opportunities. Born on September 21, 2003, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he first made his mark at Grand Rapids Christian High School, where his strong play earned him a four-star recruit status and spots in the McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic games.

A lifelong Michigan Wolverines fan, Bufkin committed to the University of Michigan, spending two years there from 2021 to 2023. His time with the Wolverines cemented him as one of the top two-way guards in the 2023 draft class, with the media naming him to the All Big-Ten Third Team before he declared for the NBA.

Drafted 15th overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2023, Bufkin’s pro career has had its share of challenges and highlights. He appeared in 17 games with the Hawks, averaging 4.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, while also shining in the G League with the College Park Skyhawks. In 14 starts there, he put up 23.6 points per game and even exploded for 43 points on January 29, 2024.

His breakout moment came when Trae Young went down, and Bufkin got called up—his defense on Kyrie Irving against the Mavericks drew serious praise. Along the way, he checked off milestones like his first NBA point on a free throw, first field goal on a three against the Lakers, and a career-high 12 points at Brooklyn.

It’ll be exciting to see how Kobe Bufkin writes his next chapter with the Nets. With fresh opportunities ahead, fans can’t wait to see what he brings to Brooklyn.