Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith knows he could be dealt this offseason or sometime next season. He’s a productive role player with two years and a little over $30MM remaining on his contract, including a player option for the 2025/26 season. He admits the possiblity is on his mind.
“I’m human. So of course I’ve got family always asking me what’s going on and (stuff) like that,” he told Brian Lewis of the New York Post (Twitter link). “But I’m just honest. I’m human so I’m going to pay attention a little bit. But I’m wherever my feet are at. And so I’m a Brooklyn Net.”
We have more from the New York teams:
- Player development is key for the Nets during Summer League play and they displayed some tenacity against Indiana on Friday, rallying from 15 points down to claim a two-point win. “They never quit, down 15, fought as hard as they could. Scrapped, clawed … There’s a lot to clean up, but I’m very happy with with their effort. They never gave in,” Summer League coach Steve Hetzel said, per Lucas Kaplan of NetsDaily.com.
- Unrestricted free agent Keon Johnson had 16 points and six assists in that game. Johnson had a two-way contract with the Nets last season and is trying to earn another NBA deal, with the Nets or another team. “Right now I’m just really focused on summer league. This is the only opportunity that I know I have right now,” Johnson told Lewis. “So I’m just really focused on playing summer league and just showing what I can do. And hopefully I’ll be here. But just giving myself the best opportunity for my career.”
- Early second-round pick Tyler Kolek started for the Knicks’ Summer League squad on Saturday and dished out seven assists. The former Marquette floor leader could be a better option as a depth point guard than the remaining free agent options, says Stefan Bondy of the New York Post.
2 of the most intriguing summer league squads in action rn, Minnesota & Houston. N’Faly Dante & Orlando Robinson both looking like they should be on somebody’s roster this season. I’m also feeling like France might regret leaving Nadir Hifi off their national team. Their backcourt is clearly their weakness & Hifi would’ve added some speed/energy to their team.
IMO Thibs wants a veteran to back up JB no matter how will Kolek or Rokas plays in the summer
Whatever happened to Deuce McBride? If I remember correctly didn’t he play extremely well as JB’s backup last season, esp during the postseason? Knicks are a defensive team 1st & foremost. Seems like they already have their backup pg.
McBride is Brunson’s backup. He’s a score-first guard but can run the point on the second unit.
McBride is fine . Kolek could push him.
Kolek and Mcbride could be playing together.
Kolek is the new McBride, just as when McBride was behind IQ. Once a weak spot for years has become a strength. Love it.
Absent an injury, any threat to McBride’s minutes won’t come from Kolek, but from the crowd we have on the perimeter. 3 perimeter players coming off the bench that require regular minutes (DiV, Hart and McBride) is a bunch even if the starters this year (unlike last year) have position flexibility. Still, I can’t see him being removed from the rotation. He’s too perfect a fit for us. With all the perimeter defenders we have, McBride is still Thibs’ defender of choice on small super speedy guards (e.g., Maxey) whenever possible. He’s also still an ascending player. If he plays less, it’s likely due to DiV and Hart needing the minutes.