There’s no single way to build an NBA champion. There are several philosophies with a track record of success. If we were generalizing, there are two prominent ones: build organically through the draft or build a superteam.
Which is better? It’s hard to say. Intuitively, it’s easy to see the appeal of the superteam. Talent comes first in the NBA. If you’ve got more of it, that’s a good thing – right? Sure. On the other hand, a team that’s organically built through the draft has more time to develop chemistry. Just look at the Golden State Warriors. This has been the NBA’s defining dynasty. They were mostly organically built – with the exception of the Kevin Durant years.
Durant is no stranger to superteams. He’s on one at the moment, having joined Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the Phoenix Suns. He left a former superteam to join them. Obviously, we’re talking about the Brooklyn Nets. Could they send Dorrian Finney-Smith to the Warriors this season?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Gary Payton II, G/F Moses Moody
Golden State Warriors Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
In fact, chemistry seemed to be the downfall of the Nets. When Kyrie Irving declined to take the COVID-19 vaccine, the wheels began to fall off. James Harden requested a trade, and Irving and Durant followed shortly after. Is this an indictment on the superteam model?
We wouldn’t go that far. Look at Kevin Garnett’s Boston Celtics, LeBron James’ Miami Heat, or Durant’s Warriors. This model can result in an NBA championship. It just requires the pieces to click. Realistically, that’s no different from any other roster in the league.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Golden State Warriors Updates
Besides, it’s not the end of the world when a superteam falls apart. Look at the Nets. Sure, Durant, Harden, and Irving are all gone. Now, the Nets have a deep roster full of quality players – and one of the best collections of draft capital in the NBA. Should they really send Finney-Smith to the Warriors?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
The Nets may have a deep roster full of quality players. Almost all of them are 3-and-D wings. Outside of Nic Claxton, all of this team’s most important players fit that description. This team can spare Finney-Smith. Is this the right return for him?
Some will suggest otherwise. It’s true that the Nets have no incentive to tank – they owe their first-round picks to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. So, why would they target a young player like Moody? Will he be ready to contribute in 2023-24?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Golden State Warriors Updates
We think so. Moody has looked NBA-ready enough during his time in Golden State. Meanwhile, adding Payton III diversifies this rotation and adds some guard depth to the Nets. All told, they’ve got a surplus of 3-and-D wings, so getting value for Finney-Smith makes sense. Should the Warriors give these players up to acquire him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Moody may be NBA-ready, but being ready to contribute to a serious title contender is a different matter. Perhaps that’s why he’s only found a minimal role on the Warriors. Soon, Golden State will need to make a decision on his contract – unless they trade him, of course.
In the meantime, the Warriors could use some depth. This roster is a bit top-heavy. It hardly matters where the production is coming from: the Warriors could simply stand to add some quality players to their bench. Finney-Smith works. He’s an outstanding defender, and when his shot is on, he’s among the better 3-and-D wings in the NBA.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets & Golden State Warriors Updates
He’s certainly a more productive player than Payton III. All told, this is a title contender making a win-now move. If the Nets make Finney-Smith available, the Warriors should make this offer. After all, they’ve already built their title winner.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
