An NBA analyst suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets consider a trade.
Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report proposed a mock trade where the Cavaliers would send Isaac Okoro (via sign-and-trade) to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith.
“If the Cavaliers are truly committed to their core four, they should seek two-way forwards to complement their scoring guards and defensive bigs,” Buckley wrote. “ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported they’re targeting both Finney-Smith and Cam Johnson from Brooklyn. Johnson is the better shooter, but Finney-Smith’s combination of shot-making and defense makes him a better fit, given neither Donovan Mitchell nor Darius Garland are known for their defense.
“Finney-Smith is one of the most versatile wing defenders in the league, and his shooting improves when playing alongside talented creators. During his last two seasons in Dallas with Luka Dončić (2020-21 and 2021-22), he averaged 2.1 three-pointers with a 39.5 percent success rate.”
Finney-Smith posted averages of 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.6 blocks for the Nets in the 2023-24 season, shooting 42.1% from the field, 34.8% from three, and 71.7% from the free-throw line. He is set to earn $14.9 million in 2024-25.
Finney-Smith has career averages of 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks with the Mavericks and Nets.
The Cavaliers were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs in five games. They replaced JB Bickerstaff with Kenny Atkinson, who signed a five-year contract.
Cleveland also extended Donovan Mitchell’s contract for three years, building their team around Mitchell, Garland, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen. Okoro, a restricted free agent, averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.5 blocks last season, shooting 49.0% overall, 39.1% from three, and 67.9% from the free-throw line.
Okoro, the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, has career averages of 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.4 blocks.
The Nets are in rebuilding mode after trading Mikal Bridges to the New York Knicks.