Dorian Finney-Smith called it “bittersweet” to be leaving the Mavericks after spending six-and-a-half years with the team, writes Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News. Finney-Smith, who earned a roster spot as an undrafted free agent in 2016, was one of the bargaining chips the Mavs are using to acquire Kyrie Irving from the Nets.
The versatile 29-year-old forward is nearing the first anniversary of signing the four-year, $55.5MM extension that seemed to make him a franchise cornerstone. He was among the Mavericks’ best perimeter defenders and steadily improved as a shooter throughout his time in Dallas.
In an interview with Townsend, Finney-Smith acknowledged rumors that Brooklyn might include him in another deal before Thursday’s deadline.
“It makes you feel good that the league sees the work that I’ve put in,” he said. “But you never know. We’ve still got four more days and you never know what can happen.”
There’s more from Dallas:
- In acquiring Irving, general manager Nico Harrison is trading the team’s established culture for a shot at winning a title, observes Callie Caplan of The Dallas Morning News. Finney-Smith and Spencer Dinwiddie were an important part of that culture, Caplan adds, along with Jalen Brunson, who left for the Knicks in free agency last summer. Caplan also states that Harrison was forced to gamble on Irving because his offseason moves to add Christian Wood and JaVale McGee haven’t turned out the way he hoped, while Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s return from injury hasn’t made up for the loss of Brunson.
- The Nets had strong interest in Josh Green, but the Mavericks refused to include him in their offer, sources tell Tim Cato of The Athletic, who adds that Dallas was also reluctant to part with rookie guard Jaden Hardy. Cato also confirms a report from Sunday that the Mavs are hoping to shake up their roster even further before the deadline. Cato’s sources say the front office is pursuing other deals, and he notes that wing depth is a glaring issue, particularly on defense, following the loss of Finney-Smith.
- Luka Doncic will miss his second straight game Monday with a right heel contusion, but Wood is listed as questionable to return from a fractured left thumb, according to a tweet from the team.
Defcon 2 in Dallas
I’d call it a stupid gamble by Dallas taking Kyrie Irving. First they wouldn’t pay Jalen Brunson, proved idiotic, he should be an All-Star this year. And they had already dumped their good coach, Kenny Atkinson, clutch Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, D’Angelo Russell & young & upcoming center Jarret Allen, blowing up their team for Kyrie & KD.
Celts will take Finney-Smith off Nets hands!
I’m confused. You’re talking about two separate teams but lumping them together like they’re one.
“First they wouldn’t pay Jalen Brunson, proved idiotic, he should be an All-Star this year.”
That’s Dallas, I get that.
“And they had already dumped their good coach, Kenny Atkinson,”
Brooklyn did that.
“clutch Spencer Dinwiddie, Caris LeVert, D’Angelo Russell & young & upcoming center Jarret Allen, blowing up their team for Kyrie & KD.”
That’s Brooklyn, too. Are you disagreeing with both teams’ decision-making?
Sometimes he gets his medications mixed up.
He got switched up when he typed “And they had already dumped their good coach” fits both teams. Carlisle (Dallas) and Atkinson(Brooklyn).
I’m pretty sure the OP is the confused one lol
Trade hardaway for levert or a different expiring contract.
The Mavs are tanking.
What is the “established culture” in Dallas lol
“Harrison was forced to gamble on Irving because his offseason moves to add Christian Wood and JaVale McGee haven’t turned out the way he hoped, while Tim Hardaway Jr.‘s return from injury hasn’t made up for the loss of Brunson.”
Captain Obvious
Eh, I’d say the Wood trade has worked out about as well as could be hoped, but since the McGee signing was a disaster and Brunson was lost over the summer the overall needle hasn’t moved much, which is hardly surprising.