A lot of NBA fans think they could be general managers. Give them a chance, and they swear they could run the team. Hey – some of them probably could. On the other hand, it’s not an easy task. An NBA general manager has a lot of factors to consider when building their team.
Talent comes first. The primary responsibility of an NBA team is to put together a group that can compete for the NBA title. With that said, an NBA team also has to manage their salary cap.
The New York Knicks have done an excellent job in that regard. On the other hand, the Brooklyn Nets’ cap situation is getting a little bit messy. Could New York’s two teams make a deal?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top-4 Protected – NYK)
New York Knicks Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O’Neale
Of course, these two teams have extremely different recent histories. The Knicks have been biding their time. This organization is routinely linked to the league’s biggest names. Instead of acquiring them, the Knicks have opted to make more marginal moves.
By contrast, the Nets went for it. It didn’t work out. Still, nobody can hold assembling Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving against them. The Nets had to try that.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & New York Knicks Updates
Now, they’re left with a bloated cap sheet – without the star players. With that said, it’s not all bad for Brooklyn. This team has one of the most impressive collections of draft capital in the NBA. Should they add to it?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Some will say that this is counterproductive for the Nets. Why are they taking on a bad contract if they need to manage their cap situation? Simple. Fournier’s deal runs a year shorter than Finney-Smith’s. This deal will free up some space for them earlier. For Brooklyn, that’s huge.
Meanwhile, the short-term damage here might be minimal. Yes, this is a win-now downgrade, but the Nets have the wings to weather it. They’ll completely lean into Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson if they make this deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & New York Knicks Updates
Yet, those aren’t the main motivations here. That would be acquiring a first-round pick. Sure, it’s protected – but it’s likely to convey. If Brooklyn wanted, they could use this pick as part of a major trade next summer. Should the Knicks part with it?
Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal
For the Knicks, this is simple. They’re a win-now team making a win-now upgrade. To be specific, they’re replacing the recently moved Obi Toppin. Realistically, they’re not just replacing him – they’re making an upgrade.
Sure, Toppin is young. He’s got potential. Finney-Smith is an impact player right now. He’s an outstanding, versatile defender. When his shot is falling, he’s among the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & New York Knicks Updates
With that said, O’Neale is a solid player in the same mold. He’s not just a throw-in here. Following this deal, the Knicks would have a strong wing rotation. This trade makes them better. You might say that making it would be smart management.
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