Report suggests Milwaukee Bucks should trade for defensive specialist Dorian Finney-Smith

Could this potential move work for the Bucks?

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Changes may be in order for the Milwaukee Bucks, especially after their spectacular flameout in the first round of the playoffs this season. Although the team still feels confident about their title chances with the presence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and All-Star guard Jrue Holiday, some roster adjustments need to be done to vault the Bucks back into the title conversation.

A report by Bleacher Report suggested that the Bucks pursue a trade for the Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith. A true-blue “3-and-D” ace, Finney-Smith could be the defensive stopper and spacer the Bucks need to truly compete against the best teams in the league.

Bolster an already elite defense

As it is, the Bucks already have an elite defense. In Giannis and Jrue, they have some of the best defenders in the NBA. And with Brook Lopez manning the middle, they have one of the best rim protectors in the game. But with Finney-Smith on board, they could be virtually impossible to score against.

Aside from stellar defense, the seven-year-pro is a solid outside shooter who shot nearly 40% from beyond the arc a few years ago. Although his percentages have dropped of late, the Bucks may want to bet on a bounceback, given all the space that Giannis creates for his teammates.

Will the Nets bite?

That’s the more telling question. At 30 years old, Finney-Smith may not align with the timeline of the team’s two best players—Cameron Johnson and Mikal Bridges. And with Johnson being a restricted free agent, money will be tight for the Nets. Still, they’d be wise to explore the possibility of trading Finney-Smith away for a few assets rather than risk losing him for nothing.