Dallas Mavs Among NBA Teams With ‘Registered Trade Interest’ in Brooklyn Nets' Dorian Finney-Smith

In the latest trade rumors, the Dallas Mavs are among the teams linked to Dorian Finney-Smith, who is having a strong season with the Brooklyn Nets.

DALLAS — The Dallas Mavericks are off to a successful start to the 2023-24 season with an 11-6 record, placing them third in the Western Conference standings. The team has room for defensive improvement as they have produced a 117.3 defensive rating (24th) through 17 games.

The Mavs added a rim protector by acquiring Dereck Lively II in the 2023 NBA Draft and brought in Grant Williams and Derrick Jones Jr. to tighten things up on the wing around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Mavs are among the Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Memphis Grizzlies as NBA teams that have previously registered trade interest in Dorian Finney-Smith of the Brooklyn Nets.

"Finney-Smith has previously drawn interest from several playoff-caliber teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Memphis Grizzlies (before several injuries changed their trajectory this season), among other teams, league sources told HoopsHype."

Brookyn Nets' Dorian Finney-Smith speaking to an NBA referee / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Regarding the Nets' potential trade ask to part with Finney-Smith, Scott reported there would be a "high asking price worth the equivalent of two first-round picks, but some teams hope the cost will be reduced closer to the midseason trade deadline. Finney-Smith is perceived as having a strong trade value as he is set to earn a $14.4 million salary in 2024-25 and has a $15.4 player option in 2025-26.

"Given that Finney-Smith is signed through the 2024-25 season before a $15.38 million player option decision for the 2025-26 season, rival executives expect the Nets to continue to have a high asking price worth the equivalent of two first-round picks if they trade him with the hope that the asking price will drop closer to the trade deadline."

Finney-Smith, 30, is having a productive season with the Nets, averaging 10.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17 games. He's shooting 44.1 percent from deep on a career-high 6.0 attempts per game. 

After spending seven seasons with the Mavs, Finney-Smith was included in the midseason trade before last year's deadline to acquire All-Star guard Kyrie Irving. Their defensive struggles worsened after the deal, and they still need to add more impact to get back to their 2021-22 season when they ranked 7th in defensive rating, with Finney-Smith playing an important role.