Dorian Finney-Smith – Dallas Mavericks
In terms of targeting affordable wings ahead of the trade deadline, Dorian Finney-Smith is definitely a player the Memphis Grizzlies should inquire about. The Mavericks are currently the 5-seed in the Western Conference this season, but they are about to run into some major cap issues.
Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis and Tim Hardaway Jr. are set to make a combined $89.1M next season and with others already under contract for next season, the Mavericks are not expected to be under the luxury tax threshold entering the offseason.
Unless Dallas is to dump the contracts of Dwight Powell and/or Reggie Bullock, they are going to wind up running into a problem trying to bring back Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith in the offseason, both of which will be free agents.
With Tim Hardaway Jr. out indefinitely now after a foot fracture, the Mavericks are going to be scrambling for answers at the trade deadline. They will most definitely look to be “buyers” instead of “sellers”, but the idea of trading Finney-Smith is definitely on the table since they do not want to lose value from him signing elsewhere in the offseason.
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Making just $4M, the Grizzlies could use their $4.05M trade exception, which was created when they traded Grayson Allen to the Bucks this offseason, to absorb Finney-Smith’s contract.
What Memphis would offer up of value to the Mavericks is definitely a question mark, but it is possible that they could potentially look to trade Kyle Anderson right now since his role has decreased this season and since he is also in the final year of his contract.
Since entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2016, Dorian Finney-Smith has made a name for himself in Dallas by being a lengthy, quick and versatile defender on the wing.
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This season, Dorian Finney-Smith is averaging a career-high 10.3 points and is shooting a career-high 5.1 threes per game, making him the epitome of a “3-and-D” forward in today’s league.
For the most immediate production and depth at a small price, Dorian Finney-Smith is the Grizzlies best option ahead of the trade deadline.
