Dallas Mavs Trade Idea: Dorian Finney-Smith Returns as Complement to Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving?

In this hypothetical deal, the Dallas Mavericks get Dorian Finney-Smith back along with Cam Thomas from the Brooklyn Nets, trading Josh Green and Maxi Kleber in the process.

The Dallas Mavericks have missed the defensive impact of Dorian Finney-Smith ever since he was dealt to the Brooklyn Nets in the Kyrie Irving deal from February. Could a return may be in order for the big 3-and-D forward?

The Mavs have been reported as having “registered interest” in trading for Finney-Smith, and if such a deal happened, this is one of many scenarios we could see playing out.

Dorian Finney-Smith was a key piece of the Dallas Mavericks’ 2022 WCF run / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Deal:

Nets Receive: PF Maxi Kleber, G/F Josh Green, G Jaden Hardy

Mavericks Receive: PF Dorian Finney-Smith, SG Cam Thomas, 2025 second-round pick (via Miami)

How the Mavericks Gain:

Defense has been an issue for the offense-heavy Mavericks this season. Ranked 21st in the league in team defense, the return of Finney-Smith brings exactly what the team has been missing ever since his departure. 

The secondary addition of Cam Thomas brings an elite scoring presence to a second unit that has looked lost when Sixth Man of the Year candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. has to miss time. Thomas' ability to carry an offense for stretches also gives Luka Doncic and Irving more stability when shots are not falling.

How the Nets Gain:

The acquisition of Josh Green gives Brooklyn a 3-and-D player that is seven years younger than Finney-Smith. As a player that can make threes, score when needed and play solid defense on the perimeter, Green could slide right into the starting shooting guard spot in Brooklyn alongside Spencer Dinwiddie in the backcourt.

Maxi Kleber brings in a veteran presence to the young Nets squad, while second year guard Jaden Hardy has more opportunity in Brooklyn while not having to fight Irving and Doncic for minutes. Hardy also fits the Cam Thomas mold and gives the Nets a younger version to work with.

Overall, this trade would mix up things up for two teams that could use new pieces to find more success as the season progresses.