As the Brooklyn Nets continue their roster overhaul, Dorian Finney-Smith has emerged as the latest player generating significant trade buzz.
With Dennis Schröder already shipped off to the Golden State Warriors, all eyes are now on Finney-Smith and his potential landing spots.
The market for Finney-Smith is particularly robust due to his impressive performance this season. He’s shooting a career-best 45% from three-point range on 5.6 attempts per game, showcasing his value as a reliable floor spacer.
This efficiency, coupled with his defensive value, makes him an attractive asset for contending teams looking to bolster their roster for a playoff push.
When considering potential trade packages, it’s important to temper expectations. While there’s been chatter about late first-round picks, Finney-Smith’s value likely falls in the range of two second-round picks or a very late first from a top-tier team.
The key for the Nets is to focus on accumulating assets and creating flexibility rather than holding out for an unrealistic return.
There is also the potential for a player return that represents value in the form of youth and potential development. The tricky element will be where the Nets see the roster as they come out of the draft next off-season.
With up to four first-round players joining the team, Sean Marks could very quickly find himself with a surplus of developmental talent.
A happy problem to have no doubt, but any player return via trade this season could be labeled as a “pass-through” to a third team or future trade piece. It is the short-term roster shuffling that Brooklyn must embrace in the ultimate pursuit of a young sustainable core.
There is no shortage of potential suitors for Finney-Smith. The Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off their disappointing performance in the NBA Cup final, could be an ideal landing spot.
Their struggles from beyond the arc were on full display, as they shot a dismal 15.6% from three in that game. Adding a sharpshooter like Finney-Smith could address this glaring weakness and complement their young core.
Other teams to watch include the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets, both of whom are performing well this season despite ranking near the bottom of the league in three-point shooting. The Cleveland Cavaliers, looking to shore up their perimeter defense, could also be in the mix.
It’s worth noting that the Nets are in a unique position as sellers. Unlike other struggling teams, Brooklyn doesn’t have untouchable young talent, making them an attractive trade partner for teams looking to improve their rosters.
This flexibility allows the Nets to entertain offers for virtually any player on their roster, potentially leading to a more robust market for their veterans.
As we continue to monitor the trade landscape, it’s clear that Dorian Finney-Smith’s value has never been higher.
His combination of elite shooting and versatile defense makes him a coveted asset for contenders looking to make a push in the second half of the season.
For more insights and a deeper dive into potential trade scenarios for Dorian Finney-Smith, tune into the Locked On Nets podcast for this and much more.
