Mavs Ex Dorian Finney-Smith Speaks on 'Wild' Midseason Nets Trade

DALLAS — For much of the 2022-23 season, the narrative surrounding the Dallas Mavericks was that, while Luka Doncic's individual play displayed brilliance, he was overburdened in a taxing play style created by not having a co-star to alleviate the burden.

The potential for the Mavs to trade for a star player midseason appeared bleak, given they only were eligible to outright trade a first-round pick in 2027 and 2029. Without a blue-chip prospect or two, or even much for favorable salary matching mechanisms, many did not envision a major trade materializing for Dallas.

However, an opportunity presented itself when Kyrie Irving decided to request a trade from the Brooklyn Nets after not being able to agree on a contract extension. Irving ultimately landed with the Mavs in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie, Dorian Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and multiple second-round picks.

Finney-Smith, who filled a pivotal role as a 3-and-D wing during the Mavs' run to the Western Conference Finals in the previous season, was not expecting to be dealt. Although he is happy to have landed with the Nets, he did admit when talking to reporters at his youth basketball camp in Norfolk, Virginia, that it was "a little wild" to be moved midseason.

"There's been love there," Finney-Smith said. "I can't wait to get started. Last year was a little wild, my first time getting traded, but I'm happy it's to Brooklyn."

The Nets were eliminated in the first-round of the playoffs at the hands of the reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, and his Philadelphia 76ers squad. Brooklyn, being setup well by its former superstars, Kevin Durant and Irving, had a safe outlook to qualify for the postseason in the Eastern Conference before fizzling out. With a new season, the new-look team must work to accomplish the feat of making the playoffs with Mikal Bridges as the cornerstone from the start.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work and also it's going to take a lot of sacrifice and accountability to do the work when nobody else is looking," Finney-Smith said.

Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 465 games for the Mavs in the regular-season and playoffs in his seven-year stint with the team. He joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2016.

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Dallas Mavericks? Click Here. Follow DallasBasketball.com on Twitter and Facebook.