After a busy news day in the NBA, the Brooklyn Nets will be hanging on to popular trade candidate Dorian Finney-Smith after the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
Brooklyn acquired Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks last February in a package for Kyrie Irving.
In his second season with the Nets, Finney-Smith is averaging 9.1 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Additionally, the Florida alum is shooting 41.2% from the field, including 38.3% from beyond the arc.
Finney-Smith appeared in numerous trade rumors heading into the Trade Deadline. The forward spoke on the trade rumors a few weeks ago:
“It always gets weird around this time in the NBA,” Finney-Smith said before scoring just three points in 28 minutes of the Nets’ 130-112 win over the Lakers. “Just can’t focus on the outside noise. That’s part of it. There’s nothing you can do about it. “We’ve all got social media, so you’re going to hear it. It ain’t real. It’s a whole bunch of chit-chatter until something officially happens. I’m a Brooklyn Net, and I want to win. That’s all that matters.”
NBA News: Brooklyn Nets Holding On to Dorian Finney-Smith
Why the Brooklyn Nets Were Expected to Trade Dorian Finney-Smith
Simply put, Finney-Smith became a very popular trade candidate. Plus, at 30 years old, he likely does not fit the Nets’ timeline.
The 20-30 Nets currently own the No. 11 seed in the Eastern Conference. With a young team, hanging on to a player who could net them future assets may not make sense.
Additionally, trading the former Mavericks forward and his $13.9 million contract would have given them the financial flexibility to extend Nic Claxton in the offseason:
The Nets are under the luxury-tax line this season, but an extension for Claxton combined with contracts already on the books for next season would almost certainly push them over that line in 2024-25.
Begley noted going over the threshold next season would trigger repeater penalties for the Nets for being over the tax line three times in a four-season span. Claxton is averaging 12.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 39 starts this season.
Trading Finney-Smith could help the Nets get under that line. He’s owed $14.4 million in 2024-25 and has a $15.4 million player option for 2025-26. Dealing the 30-year-old would also help them recoup some of the assets they gave up in the January 2021 trade to acquire James Harden.
Finney-Smith is under contract for one more full season before he can exercise his $15.3 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
What Does Finney-Smith Bring?
Finney-Smith is a traditional 3-and-D player. His defense and energy would prove useful for any team in the NBA. Plus, as a career 35.9 3pt% shooter, he is more than capable of making his presence felt on offense. However, Finney-Smith is not someone who can regularly create his own shot. Additionally, at 6’7″, Finney-Smith’s defense takes a hit closer to the rim. That said, he is still more than capable of defending in the paint.
In 2024, the 3-and-D players are very valued in the league. With Finney-Smith being among the best in the league, it is clear why so many teams showed interest in his talents.
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