Sometimes, you’ve got to take a step backward to take two steps forward. Perhaps you’ve got to quit a job to make time for a new business. Sometimes, NBA teams need to use the same logic.
They may trade a player that they could use in exchange for a player that they’ve got a more pressing need for. Look at the Dallas Mavericks. At last year’s trade deadline, they moved Dorian Finney-Smith and an unprotected first in exchange for Kyrie Irving.
Who could hold that against them? The Mavericks needed a co-star alongside Luka Doncic. They went out and got one. Still, that star came at the expense of a valuable role player.
The Mavericks could use a 3-and-D in their rotation this season. Could they go get Finney-Smith back from the Brooklyn Nets?
NBA Trade Proposal — Dallas Mavericks Land Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: C Richaun Holmes, G Jaden Hardy
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith
Other times, you take a step backward. You may not have a choice. Someone pushed you. That’s what happened to the Nets. They were pushed by Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Irving.
We don’t know the specifics of what happened. Here’s what we do know: this trio of superstars were all on the Nets. Irving refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Harden requested a trade after about a season and a half on the team.
Flash forward to the present day, and guess what? All three superstars are on different teams. This has left the Nets in a strange position. They’ve got a solid roster, but they aren’t title contenders. Meanwhile, they exhausted most of their draft capital, building their failed super team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Broioklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The Nets have a lot of outside draft capital that they could eventually trade for a star, but until they do, they appear to be stuck in the middle. Where does this deal get them?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
What are the Nets missing? This team has plenty of excellent 3-and-D wings. They’ve got a dominant switch big man in Nicolas Claxton. With that said, they’re missing offensive creation. Outside of Mikal Bridges, none of these guys can create their own offense on a regular basis.
It feels like a lead guard would be the next sensible addition. That doesn’t mean that Hardy can be the guy. He’s young and hasn’t earned much time in Dallas’ rotation. Still, he’s worth a flyer for the Nets. If they can get the most out of him, Hardy could be a star guard who creates plays for himself and others.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Broioklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Meanwhile, they can spare Finney-Smith. This team has a glut of 3-and-D wings: they can spare one for a young guard with Hardy’s potential? Should the Mavericks give up on Hardy already?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Hardy may have star potential. How is he ever going to reach it in Dallas? This team has Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on their roster. At this point, the ceiling for Hardy over the next few years is likely as the team’s sixth man in Dallas.
What does Dallas need more – a sixth man or another 3-and-D wing? That’s an easy answer. Grant Williams is good, but every contender needs more than one player in that mold. By reuniting with Finney-Smith, the Mavericks would give themselves a pair of 3-and-Ds.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Broioklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Holmes feels expendable as well. Derrick Lively III has looked fantastic to start the year, and Dwight Powell remains serviceable. For Dallas, this is a no-brainer. They’re strictly taking a step forward by bringing Finney-Smith back.
