The Brooklyn Nets, despite being a rebuilding team, can get even more value going forward as they still have tradable pieces. Dorian Finney-Smith is a solid 3-and-D type forward who is expected to be traded before the start of the season.
The 31-year-old has had a limited role throughout his eight-year career but took full advantage of his opportunity after going undrafted in 2016. Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points and 4.7 rebounds, but more importantly, he showed he can guard one through five on any given night.
Finney-Smith was acquired by the Nets in the 2022-23 season when Brooklyn traded Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. Now that the Nets are starting fresh, teams are interested in some of Brooklyn’s veterans, including the former Florida Gators.
The Sacramento Kings are a team looking to add depth to further their playoff race. After benefiting from star forward DeMar DeRozan, the Kings have a strong case to make headlines in a crowded Western Conference.
Sacramento was slightly above average on both sides of the ball last season, ranking 13th in offensive rating and 14th in terms of defensive rating. If they want to get out of the play-in tournament like they failed to last season, they’ll need veteran depth. Finney-Smith would be a great player, and the Kings have the assets to make a trade.
Trey Lyles had a couple of good seasons with the Kings, but he’s not quite the veteran forward Finney-Smith is. While he’s a decent defender, Finney-Smith has the definitive role Sacramento needs outside of its stars. Brooklyn would certainly be able to get a first-round pick out of Finney-Smith, with protection given that he’s on the other side of his 30s.
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