Around the NBA, there are some clear-cut contenders. We know which teams have a real shot at the NBA title. Groups like the Denver Nuggets, Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and others are hoping to be the last team standing when the season is over.
On the other hand, there are dark horse contenders. Look at the Sacramento Kings. Few fans around the league are expecting the Kings to win an NBA title. At the same time, that’s surely a goal for the organization.
The Kings are a good team – who knows how far they might get? With that said the Brooklyn Nets will not win an NBA title in 2023-24. The Nets aren’t dark horse contenders – they aren’t contenders at all.
Could they send Dorian Finney-Smith to the Kings?
NBA Trade Proposal: Sacramento Kings Land Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Kevin Huerter, G Davion Mitchell, G/F Chris Duarte, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – SAC)
Sacramento Kings Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O’Neale
Did the Nets enter the season hoping to contend? We’re not sure. This deep, scrappy group likely wanted to be closer to the title than they currently are.
After all, two years ago, they were right there. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on their roster, the Nets had a real shot at the NBA title. Unfortunately for them, that superteam would fall apart as quickly as it was assembled.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
Now, the Nets are in the league’s no man’s land. They owe control of their draft to the Houston Rockets – the Nets can’t properly rebuild. At the same time, they aren’t contenders either.
Does this deal help them?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
In all likelihood, this deal makes the Nets worse. The most impactful player in this deal is Finney-Smith. Meanwhile, O’Neale is a quality player as well. Rockets fans may celebrate if this deal goes through.
That celebration may be premature. Sure, this deal will improve the quality of the Nets’ 2024 pick. It should also help them in the future. The Nets are taking a temporary step back here in hopes of taking two steps forward soon.
After all, they’re landing three intriguing young players and a protected first. Moreover, they could use Huerter’s movement shooting and Mitchell’s point-of-attack defense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
The Nets shouldn’t plummet to the bottom of the standings here – and they pick up some future-focused assets.
Should the Kings offer them such a beneficial deal?
Why The Sacramento Kings Do The Deal
As it stands, the Kings have Keegan Murray and Harrison Barnes on the roster. That’s a solid forward duo. With that said, the Kings feature Domantas Sabonis in the middle. Realistically, Sacramento needs a platoon of defensive wings to cover for his shortcomings.
After this deal, they’d have that platoon. Finney-Smith would likely leap Barnes in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, all four of these players can slot in at either forward spot. The Kings would have two 3-and-D wings on the floor at all times by making this deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, Sacramento Kings Updates
They’ll have to replace Mitchell. That’s fine – they can probably find a backup point guard in the buyout market. This deal should make the Kings a better team – and they’re already dark horse contenders.
