The Brooklyn Nets are unlikely to trade guard Spencer Dinwiddie this offseason, but forwards Royce O’Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith could be moved, according to NBA insider Brian Lewis of the New York Post.
The Nets want to re-sign forward Cameron Johnson in restricted free agency and they need to clear cap space so they don’t go over the first tax apron. Johnson is expected to make over $20 million a year on his next contract.
“Sources told The Post that they’re unlikely to trade Spencer Dinwiddie to shed salary, but they could move Royce O’Neale or Dorian Finney-Smith, both of whom have garnered first-round pick offers,” Lewis wrote.
The Nets acquired Dinwiddie and Finney-Smith from the Dallas Mavericks this past season in the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade. Meanwhile, Brooklyn traded for O’Neale last summer from the Utah Jazz.
Johnson and Nets star swingman Mikal Bridges are very close friends. Both players were traded to the Nets by the Phoenix Suns in the Kevin Durant trade. League sources have told NBA Analysis Network that Bridges has already told Brooklyn’s front office keeping Johnson should be a priority.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith & Brooklyn Nets Updates
As a restricted free agent, Johnson can either re-sign with the Nets or sign an offer sheet with a rival team. Brooklyn can match any offer sheet Johnson signs as long as it comes within 48 hours.
The 27-year-old Johnson averaged 16.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 25 games with Brooklyn while shooting 46.8% from the field, 37.2% from beyond the arc and 85.1% from the free-throw line.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Brooklyn got swept by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs. Johnson told reporters during his end-of-the-season press conference that he would like to re-sign with the Nets. Given that he was a key part of the trade to move Durant, it’s hard to see the Nets letting Johnson go for nothing.
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