Proposed Trade:
- Cavaliers Receive: Dorian Finney-Smith
- Nets Receive: Georges Niang, three Cavaliers second-round picks (2027-2029), and the Bucks’ 2025 second-round pick.
Hughes highlighted Finney-Smith’s potential impact on the Cavaliers, specifically how he could seamlessly fit into their starting lineup.
“Cleveland’s need is clear: a rangy, defensive-minded combo forward who can slot between the Donovan Mitchell–Darius Garland backcourt and the Evan Mobley–Jarrett Allen frontcourt,” Hughes wrote.
He also emphasized Finney-Smith’s value in crucial moments of the game, noting his consistent defensive performance.
“Finney-Smith has been a positive defender by D-EPM every year of his career, ranking in the top 20 percent in the last four seasons. While he may not match Max Strus in shooting, his defensive prowess makes him an ideal candidate for Cleveland’s closing lineup.”
Finney-Smith is the quintessential “3&D wing,” boasting a career three-point shooting average of 35.5%. He is currently in the third year of a four-year, $55.6 million contract.
Cavaliers’ Interest in Finney-Smith:
Finney-Smith’s name has been linked to the Cavaliers in multiple reports. On July 28, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto revealed Cleveland’s interest in Finney-Smith and mentioned the Nets’ interest in Isaac Okoro.
“The Nets are considering a sign-and-trade possibility for Okoro, though no deal is imminent, sources said. As previously reported, Dorian Finney-Smith has drawn trade interest from Cleveland and has come up in discussions for Okoro,” Scotto wrote.
A trade between the two teams could benefit both sides, with the 31-year-old Finney-Smith fitting better with a contending team like the Cavaliers, while the 23-year-old Okoro could align more with the Nets’ rebuilding efforts.
Nets’ Potential Rebuild Could Trigger Finney-Smith Trade
The Nets traded Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks during the 2024 NBA offseason, signaling a possible rebuild. With Bridges gone and the Nets coming off a season where they missed even the play-in tournament, many doubt their playoff chances.
Although no further trades have been made, Finney-Smith could be on the move if the Nets fully commit to a rebuild. The Cavaliers, having traded significant assets to acquire Donovan Mitchell, might find Finney-Smith a cost-effective option due to his player option for the 2025-26 season.
Teams are typically cautious about paying a
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