Inside The Nets

"If it happens, it happens" - Dorian Finney-Smith on trade rumors

After just a year in Brooklyn, Dorian Finney-Smith is involved in trade rumors again.
Peter Sunjic|
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Brooklyn Nets

Dorian Finney-Smith arrived in Brooklyn in February 2023 in the Kyrie Irving trade to Dallas. He has been fantastic for the Nets, evolving as a shooter while maintaining his reputation as an elite defender. That level of performance has helped him because plenty of teams around the Association are interested in trading for him.

DFS acknowledged that he knows the trade rumors since the reports are near-unavoidable for him in the social media age. Thankfully, Dorian is not too bothered with the arrival of the NBA’s silly season.

“We’ve all got social media, so you’re going to hear it. It ain’t real. It’s a whole bunch of chit-chatter until something officially happens. I’m a Brooklyn Net, and I want to win. That’s all that matters,” Finney-Smith told the New York Post’s Brian Lewis ahead of the game against the Lakers. “I never really paid attention to that s**t. If it happens, it happens.”

Dorian is an attractive target for almost any team

It’s easy to see why DFS is garnering interest from other teams because he’s one of the best three-and-D role players in the NBA. He is shooting 39.1% from beyond the arc this season, but earlier in the year, he was in the mid-40s. That kind of reliable shooting is what most teams are looking for to boost their chances of winning a championship.

An accurate sniper and a versatile defender at the same time is hard to find nowadays, but DFS has proven to be an elite role player. Other teams should be looking to get him. However, the price has not yet been met.

Where can he end up?

The Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and a reunion with the Dallas Mavericks have all been reported as possibilities. However, the Nets are looking for high-value first-round picks in exchange for both DFS and Royce O’Neale.

A return to the Mavs is probably the best move outside of Brooklyn for Finney-Smith because he’s familiar with the city and organization. Brooklyn remains adamant that first-round picks are what the team needs when trading someone of DFS’ caliber.

At 30 years old, Dorian wants to compete for a title before he hangs it all up. All three rumored teams have a chance of making it to the Finals, but they’re not the clear-cut favorites. In the meantime, he will keep playing for Brooklyn as long as the team wants him.

The Nets fall apart in the fourth quarter in a crushing loss to the LA Clippers

Published
Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

Share on XFollow BN_Sunjic
Home/News