The Cleveland Cavaliers’ prospects of winning a championship may improve if they add another two-way wing to their roster. Dorian Finney-Smith, wing for the Brooklyn Nets, could be available.
In an August 14 post, Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes offered the following Cavaliers-Nets trade that would send Finney-Smith to Cleveland.
Cavaliers get: Finney-Smith.
The Nets obtain Georges Niang, three Cavaliers second-round picks from 2027 to 2029, and a Bucks 2025 second-round pick.
Hughes highlighted why Finney-Smith is attractive to the Cavaliers. More precisely, how he fits into their starting lineup.
“Cleveland’s side of this is obvious: It still needs a rangy, defensive-minded combo forward to slot in between the Donovan Mitchell-Darius Garland backcourt and the Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt.”
Hughes concluded by explaining why Finney-Smith fits into their closing lineup.
“Finney-Smith has been assessed as a positive defender by D-EPM in every year of his career, with ratings in the top 20 percent over the last four seasons. He’s not as good a shot as Max Strus, but he’ll provide the stopping strength Cleveland needs from its (possible) fifth closer.”
Finney-Smith fits the mold of a “3&D wing,” shooting 35.5% from three over his career. He is entering the third year of a four-year, $55.6 million contract.
Dorian Finney-Smith on Cavaliers Radar: Report
Finney-Smith has been linked to the Cavaliers in more than one trade proposal. Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Finney-Smith on July 28.
He said as much when discussing the Nets’ interest in Isaac Okoro.
“The Nets are one of the teams considering a sign-and-trade for Okoro, though nothing is imminent with Brooklyn,” sources added. As previously reported by HoopsHype, Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith has received trade interest from Cleveland and is in talks with Okoro, according to sources.
Both parties could negotiate a bargain in which they both obtain what they desire. Finney-Smith, a 31-year-old NBA veteran, would be a better match for a winning team like the Cavaliers. Okoro, 23, would be a better match for a team in the midst of a rebuild, such as the Nets.
The Nets Rebuild Could Lead to Dorian Finney-Smith Trade
The Nets moved Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks during the 2024 NBA offseason, implying that they desire to start over. With him no longer in Brooklyn, few expect them to make a playoff push after missing out on the play-in round last season.
They haven’t made any transactions since then, but Finney-Smith may be on his way out if a rebuild is necessary. When the Cavaliers acquired Mitchell, they gave up the majority of their draft assets. Finney-Smith might not cost much because he has a player option for the 2025-26 season.
Teams don’t pay much for a player with his archetype if he is a flight risk. It would be an excellent opportunity to capitalize on, given that the Cavaliers are coming off a successful season.
Strengthening the wing department could be just what they need to take the necessary strides toward a championship.
