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Apr 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (17) moves the ball against Houston Rockets center Jock Landale (2) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images Jonathan Hui-Imagn Images

Rockets Reportedly Free Agency Destination for Dorian Finney-Smith

Originally posted on Houston Rockets on SI | By Jed Katz | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 6:29 PM ET

The Houston Rockets and the rest of the NBA are beginning what should be an offseason that brings many changes around the league. They have been a catalyst in that narrative, most recently acquiring star forward Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

The Rockets are looking to build upon a 53-30 season, one that saw most of the young core take a major step into stardom. Players such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson put the rest of the league on notice with elite defense and a top playoff seed.

Now, Houston has its sights set on the future with Durant at the helm. In free agency this year, many players are becoming available with the deadline for contracts being today. One name that is set to hit unrestricted free agency is Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith, after he declined his player option for the 2025-26 season.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith is declining his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season and will enter free agency, sources tell ESPN. Multiple contending teams are expected to pursue Finney-Smith beginning Monday night and a Lakers return is possible. pic.twitter.com/BlYf5Fzplj
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 29, 2025

Finney-Smith is a highly regarded 3&D player who just averaged 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 43 games with the Lakers. He shot 44.2% from the field and 39.8% from three.

The Rockets are reportedly a viable destination for the 32-year-old, according to NBA insider Jake Fischer. Finney-Smith's player option was worth $15.4 million, but he could be with a new team after entering free agency. Houston is a candidate, per Fischer.

The Houston Rockets have emerged as a viable free agent landing spot for Dorian Finney-Smith, league sources tell @TheSteinLine and me, after the veteran declined his $15.4 million player option for 2025-26 with the Lakers today.

More NBA from us: https://t.co/uH1l3UTHHR
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 29, 2025

The Rockets don't have a ton of money to spend after acquiring Durant, as they'll likely extend his contract through the next two seasons. However, they did free up cap space after declining Fred VanVleet's $44.9 million team option and re-signing him to a two-year, $50 million extension. That move saved Houston around $20 million in cap space.

According to NBA salary cap expert Yossi Gozlan, Houston can offer Finney-Smith the $14.1 million mid-level exception, but can offer more if Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale are moved. Whitmore was reported to be in trade talks, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

The Rockets can offer Dorian Finney-Smith the full $14.1 million mid-level exception.

They can give him more in a sign and trade with a combination of Cam Whitmore and Jock Landale outgoing.

This could open up multi-team scenarios to bring a starting center to the Lakers. https://t.co/YSmeJ7YAkT
— Yossi Gozlan (@YossiGozlan) June 29, 2025

Finney-Smith would not only be a great 3&D player for the Rockets, but a veteran presence as well. He has plenty of playoff experience with the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, and Brooklyn Nets.

This article first appeared on Houston Rockets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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