Inside The Nets

Report: Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O'Neale being monitored by rival teams for trade

Two of the Nets' important versatile wings are being tracked for possible trades.

Peter Sunjic

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Despite injury occurrences, the Brooklyn Nets are still impressively keeping themselves on track alongside other competing teams around the league. Holding a respectable 9-8 record that puts them as the ninth seed of the East so far, the Nets continue to roll with their amazing depth and versatile pieces.

But just like other organizations, they won't escape trade considerations. And just recently, it was reported that both of their rotational wings are on the radar of certain contending teams.

DFS, Royce on the watch

According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, several teams are watching the availability of both Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale, wherein the former has managed to draw trade interest from several contenders like the Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, and Memphis Grizzlies.

“NBA executives across the league are also monitoring Brooklyn’s wings, including Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale. 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.”

O'Neale has been in Brooklyn since last season, wherein he's averaging 8.5 points, and 5.4 boards in 17 games so far. On the flip side, Finney-Smith joined the team through the Kyrie Irving trade, contributing with an average of 10.8 points and 5.5 rebounds in more than 30 minutes per game.

O'Neale (40.7%) and Finney-Smith (44.1%) are enjoying the best shooting year of their respective career from the three-point line.

Not for grabs

Both O'Neale and Finney-Smith are two of the trustworthy 3-and-D forwards of coach Jacque Vaugh’s wing slate, and it is pretty unrealistic so far that the franchise will cut the ties with both veterans as they help compose the Nets’ impressive depth chart and trademarked versatility.

While he holds an expiring $9.5MM deal, O'Neale is still a solid backup for Brooklyn who can be called on during crucial situations. Meanwhile, Finney-Smith is perhaps the most important glue wing of the team as he can defend all positions, and even serve as a small-ball center.

Unless unforeseen events or irresistible offers emerge, the Nets will maintain their dedication to both Finney-Smith and O'Neale, relying on the duo to contribute to their campaign this year.

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Peter Sunjic
PETER SUNJIC

Peter's journey with basketball commenced in the first grade, and it has since evolved into an integral part of his life. Standing on the brink of a potential professional playing career, Peter ultimately chose to pursue a degree in Political Science and Journalism in Zagreb, Croatia. Despite this academic pursuit, his deep-rooted love for the game of basketball endured, undiminished. Now, as a writer and editor, Peter finds an avenue to channel his unwavering passion for basketball-related news and analysis. Whether it's deciphering the latest happenings or delving into the lore of old-school basketball, he covers every corner of the NBA world.

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