The Transaction Involving Dorian Finney-Smith of the Lakers Influences the NBA Trade Landscape
The Transaction Involving Dorian Finney-Smith of the Lakers Influences the NBA Trade Landscape
The Los Angeles Lakers made their anticipated move in the trade market on a Sunday, swapping D'Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft selections for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton from the Brooklyn Nets.
It wasn't unexpected that the Lakers would seek out immediate improvements while the Nets opted to offload a seasoned player who wasn't aligned with their long-term plans. The exchange could signal some trends across the league in the coming weeks leading up to the February 6 NBA trade deadline.
As reported by longtime NBA analyst Marc Stein, the Memphis Grizzlies were deemed an organization to monitor in their pursuit of Finney-Smith. Stein later added that active negotiations between the Grizzlies and Nets were underway, aiming to strike a deal involving John Konchar and Luke Kennard for Finney-Smith. However, the Lakers outbid them by including three future second-round draft selections in their offering, which will convey post-LeBron James's expected retirement.
According to Stein, the Nets were aiming to acquire a first-round pick in exchange for Finney-Smith from the Grizzlies, but the Grizzlies favored maintaining top-17 protections on the pick. Stein further explained that the Nets would have been obligated to absorb additional salary and part with an extra second-round selection or more in the Finney-Smith transaction.
The Nets had also partially shipped out Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors in exchange for an expiring contract (De'Anthony Melton) and three second-round draft choices earlier in the month. Previously, the Nets expressed their desire for a first-round pick for Schroder or Finney-Smith, as documented by Stein.
But they failed to secure one for either player, which could hint at the evolving trade landscape under the latest collective bargaining agreement.
Is a First-Round Pick More Valuable?
In the wake of the new collective bargaining agreement, other prominent rotation players have been traded for multiple second-round draft picks instead of first-round selections. At the previous trade deadline, the Philadelphia 76ers handed over three second-rounders to acquire Buddy Hield in a multi-team deal. The Phoenix Suns underwent a similar transaction for Royce O'Neale.
The Chicago Bulls asserted interest in three second-round draft picks for Andre Drummond, as reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. But when rumored trade arrangements fell through hours before the deadline, the 76ers turned their attention towards Hield, leaving the Bulls empty-handed.
The Bulls' experience with Drummond may have provided a wake-up call for teams like the Nets. Schroder will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, while Finney-Smith might decide to decline his $15.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season. As a result, the Nets forfeited a potential first-round pick in exchange for six second-round choices instead of holding out for their initial asking price.
Teams might be hesitant to surrender first-round picks due to the new CBA's hefty constraints on the league's priciest rosters. Teams above the first and second salary caps face fewer ways to acquire talent through trades and free agency. As such, the cost-controlled nature of rookie-scale contracts should be particularly appealing for teams.
The new CBA also revalued second-round picks by introducing a new exception enabling above-the-cap teams to provide three- or four-year contracts to second-round draft picks without employing a specific exception. This may have prompted teams to settle for multiple second-round draft choices, especially given their expanded usage.
The Trade Landscape Going Forward
Since the new CBA was implemented, just a few first-round draft choices have been exchanged outside of star-level transactions. Monetary factors have also impacted how much draft capital teams are willing to part with. The New York Knicks surrendered five first-round selections to procure Mikal Bridges, who signed a bargain $90.9 million four-year contract. Nonetheless, the Knicks declined to relinquish a single first-round pick for Karl-Anthony Towns, who's now in the first year of a four-year $220.4 million supermax contract.
The Mavericks did forfeit Grant Williams, Seth Curry, and a 2027 first-round choice to acquire P.J. Washington at the previous trade deadline. However, the Charlotte Hornets also ceded them two second-round draft picks in the same deal. Meanwhile, the Mavericks swapped a 2028 first-round pick swap for a 2024 first-rounder from the Oklahoma City Thunder, which they eventually used in a trade to acquire Daniel Gafford. These moves led the Mavericks on an unexpected journey to the 2022 NBA Finals.
The Mavericks' proactive approach to the previous trade deadline could inspire an equal number of imitators this season, although not every team boasts a generational star like Luka Dončić. The Lakers are making a push for instant success with LeBron James in his twilight years, although they've been wary of relinquishing distant first-round draft picks. Similarly, the Golden State Warriors might feel the same reluctance with Stephen Curry and Draymond Green in their mid-30s.
Various contenders have given away loads of initial-round picks from future seasons, reducing the overall trade market's pace. The Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks both hold just one initial-round pick (2031) they can deal this season. The Minnesota Timberwolves can only offer a 2028 first-round pick swap and a safeguarded 2025 first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons. The New York Knicks have a shielded 2025 initial-round pick from the Washington Wizards, but they can trade only 2026 and 2030 first-round swaps otherwise.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and San Antonio Spurs have stockpiled numerous future initial-round picks from other franchises, but none appear likely to make significant transactions during this year's trade deadline. This could result in clogging the trade market for teams seeking multiple initial-round picks.
The Nets and Portland Trail Blazers might serve as swing teams. Reports suggest the Nets desire several initial-round picks in exchange for Cam Johnson. Similarly, the Blazers required the same for Jerami Grant during the offseason, according to [Jovan Buha] of The Athletic. However, it's not yet known if either team will find interested parties.
Meanwhile, the rebuilding Wizards are believed to be considering offers for veterans like Kyle Kuzma, Jonas Valanciūnas, and Malcolm Brogdon. Unfortunately, the Wizards' failure to secure a first-round pick for Finney-Smith could make it difficult for them to garner one for any of this trio.
If teams understand they're bound for a late initial-round pick this season, they might be more open to trading it for immediate help. Otherwise, the Finney-Smith deal could represent an early indication that it might be difficult for sellers to secure the initial-round draft capital they're aiming for.
Unless otherwise specified, all stats from NBA.com, PBPStats, Cleaning the Glass, or Basketball Reference. All salary info from Spotrac and salary-cap info from RealGM. All odds from FanDuel Sportsbook.
The Memphis Grizzlies tried to acquire Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets, offering John Konchar and Luke Kennard, but were outbid by the Lakers who included three future second-round draft selections in their offer.
The Brooklyn Nets initially sought a first-round pick in exchange for Finney-Smith from the Memphis Grizzlies, but the Grizzlies preferred to maintain top-17 protections on the pick, which would have required the Nets to absorb additional salary and part with extra second-round selections.
Previously, the Nets expressed their desire for a first-round pick for either Dennis Schroder or Finney-Smith, but failed to secure one, potentially hinting at the evolving trade landscape under the latest collective bargaining agreement.