Every player in the NBA has one elite skill. If they didn’t, they wouldn’t be in the NBA. This is the best collection of basketball talent in the world. Nobody gets invited to the club if they’re not bringing something to the table.
With that said, some players are more limited than others. They may only do a couple of things well on an NBA floor. If one of those skills starts to disintegrate, it can be a problem. That player’s trade value may lower.
Take Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets. At one time, he was looked at as one of the better 3-and-D wings in the NBA. Unfortunately, Finney-Smith’s three-point shooting started to wain last season. If he doesn’t turn that shooting around, his NBA value will be significantly less. Should the Nets trade him to the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets receive: F/C Jarred Vanderbilt, F Taurean Prince, G Jalen Hood-Schifino
Los Angeles Lakers receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
On the other hand, a well-rounded skillset is invaluable for an NBA player. If they’ve got elite traits in addition to that well-roundedness, that’s even better. In that sense, LeBron James is the gold standard.
Think about it. What weaknesses did prime James have? He was an elite, versatile defender. He was likely the best passer in basketball. Need someone to create a shot? James is your guy. There were no holes in James’ game.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Arguably, there still aren’t any holes in James’ game. With that said, James is aging. Perhaps durability counts as a hole in his game. Meanwhile, he’s not able to exert the defensive effort that he once did on a routine basis. Should the Lakers target Finney-Smith as a result?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
In fact, a lot rests on Finney-Smith’s shooting. If he’s back to regularly hitting triples, the Nets may not want to part with him. By contrast, if he’s an offensive liability, the Lakers may not be interested in him.
Let’s split the difference. Suppose Finney-Smith retains his defensive value, and he’s ai least enough of a shooting threat to draw a closeout. In that event, the Lakers should be happy to land him. Finney-Smith would be the most impactful player in this deal.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Moreover, he should be a perfect compliment to James. Finney-Smith is a strong wing defender who can guard across positions – he’ll ease James’ burden on that end. As long as he can space the floor, he’ll make a valuable addition to this team. Should the Nets really part with Finney-Smith?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Suppose Finney-Smith is having a strong season. The Nets could still decide that they don’t need him. This team is stacked with 3-and-D wings. Between Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Royce O’Neale, and Finney-Smith, they may have a logjam.
This deal would vary their rotation a little bit. Vanderbilt failed to crack the Lakers’ playoff rotation last year – his lack of shooting made him a problematic fit alongside James. On the other hand, he should find time in Brooklyn. Vanderbilt’s versatile defense would make him a sensible backup for Nic Claxton. Still, the recently drafted Hood-Schifino may be the centerpiece of this deal for the Nets.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Is he a good target for Brooklyn? We’re not sure, because we’re not sure what the Nets are planning over the next couple of years. Still, they’ve got a surplus of 3-and-D wings. Flipping one for a couple of more unique players makes sense – after all, both Vanderbilt and Hood-Schifino have skills of their own.
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