Still two players short of the allotted 15 roster spots, the Brooklyn Nets have a few decisions to make before opening day. They could choose to part ways with some of their younger roster members who aren’t likely to make a major impact, buy out Bojan Bogdanovic or trade Dorian Finney-Smith or Cameron Johnson.
The latter two have been rumored for ages, with tons of interest and discussion surrounding the forwards. If we’re going to approach Finney-Smith’s situation alone, it might be best to keep him in reserve until the February trade deadline.
Still just 31, Finney-Smith has an elite defensive skill set and the ability to run the floor. He’s under contract for the next two seasons, worth just over $30 million through 2026. If the Nets were to try to move him now, the return would be much less than what they would have at the trade deadline. Rival teams understand Brooklyn’s situation as well as they do and will likely make low offers knowing the franchise has to cut its roster.
It would be more advantageous to wait until the right contract reveals itself, as that would allow the real contenders to emerge once the playoffs are on the horizon. Any team in midseason contention for a title would love to add a role player like Finney-Smith, maximizing Brooklyn’s return for the veteran wing.
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