Mavericks Passed On Late Lottery Pick For Dorian Finney-Smith?

Dorian Finney-Smith, Dallas Mavericks, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

The Dallas Mavericks enter the NBA trade deadline facing circumstances that will likely prevent them from making a considerable change to the roster. Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith will each be free agents in the NBA offseason but the team will look to re-sign both players.

There is a real lack of assets on the Mavericks’ roster and given the production that Brunson and Finney-Smith have provided, they are top non-star options for Dallas to use in trade talks. They have been bold in their stance on not moving either of those players.

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, the Mavericks have passed on a ‘potential late lottery pick’ in trade talks involving Dorian Finney-Smith.

How vital has Finney-Smith been to Dallas? The Mavericks passed on a potential late lottery pick in exchange for Finney-Smith, league sources told HoopsHype.

In 52 games this season, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 36.2% from beyond the arc. Dallas considers him an integral component of a defense they feel is elite given their ranking in regular season defensive rating.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks To Keep Brunson; Would Need ‘Shocking’ Trade Offer

The maximum extension number the Mavericks can offer Finney-Smith ahead of him reaching free agency is a four-year, $55.6 million contract. There is a belief around the NBA that he will be able to command greater than that figure. It was previously reported he is seeking an annual salary of $15 million per season.

There’s a sentiment around the league that Finney-Smith may be outplaying his current extension number, which is $55.6 million over four years. 

There are a variety of concerns with paying both Jalen Brunson and Dorian Finney-Smith and then reaching the luxury tax. Finney-Smith is not a dynamic contributor in any aspect of defense, he’s a respectable spot-up shooter but struggles when facing contest, and he’s chronically limited as a shot creator.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks To Keep Brunson; Would Need ‘Shocking’ Trade Offer

If the Dallas Mavericks indeed could have netted a potential late lottery pick in the 2022 NBA Draft in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith, they should have taken that offer. The team has already paid the MLE to Reggie Bullock and have a $10.9 million TPE at their disposal.

Come playoff time, it’s important for spot-up threats to be able to hit shots with a hand in their face. Finney-Smith benefits a lot from the playmaking of Luka Doncic given how 82.1% of his catch-and-shoot attempts have been classified as ‘unguarded’ by Synergy Sports. His field goal percentage on catch-and-shoot looks drops from 39.1% when unguarded to 28.2% when contested.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mavericks To Keep Brunson; Would Need ‘Shocking’ Trade Offer

Among all 21 players with at least 100 unguarded catch-and-shoot attempts this season, Finney-Smith faces the highest rate of their overall attempts coming as unguarded. His efficiency on unguarded attempts ranks 17th among those 21 players with the only players ranking below him being centers and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

With Dorian Finney-Smith being a solid but not great defender, it’s tough to justify paying a premium to retain him. Adding a first-round pick with upside of being a potential late lottery pick would open up plenty of options for the Dallas Mavericks in the trade route to find a more impactful complementary talent.

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