JULY 8: The Nets have officially signed Smith, per NBA.com’s transaction log.
JULY 1: The Nets have reached an agreement with Dennis Smith Jr., according to Shams Charania of The Athletic (Twitter link), who reports that the free agent guard will sign a one-year contract with Brooklyn.
The ninth overall pick in 2017, Smith struggled during his first few seasons to live up to the expectations that came with his draft slot, but has developed into a solid role player in large part due to his strong perimeter defense.
Smith isn’t much of a scorer, averaging 8.8 PPG on an underwhelming .412/.216/.736 shooting line in 54 games (25.7 MPG) for the Hornets this past season. However, he can handle the ball and can set up teammates, having dished 4.8 assists per contest in 2022/23. The 25-year-old will provide some depth in a Brooklyn backcourt that lacks consistent, reliable options behind Spencer Dinwiddie.
The Nets made Smith a priority in free agency, according to Charania, who reports that he was the team’s “first call” among outside targets. Brooklyn has also agreed to re-sign one of its own free agents, reaching a four-year, $108MM deal with Cameron Johnson.
The terms of Smith’s deal with the Nets have yet to be reported. Having created some breathing room below the tax apron by agreeing to trade Joe Harris and his $20MM salary to Detroit, Brooklyn could offer more than the veteran’s minimum using the mid-level or bi-annual exception.
Great pickup from the Nets huge lost for the hornets DSJ was an amazing fit for them.
Eh. I would’ve preferred Dalano Banton, Aaron Holiday, or Saben Lee but okay. Happy DSJ is getting another chance. Why can’t Shaq Harrison stay on a team?
Dennis Smith Jr. is a damn good pickup. He’s going to be the type of guy Jacque Vaughn like because he plays really good defense.
The DSJ deal looks to be a good move, but the Joey Buckets trade was more about creating room this year for the difference between Cam Johnson’s QO and his actual contract. That deal wasn’t related to bringing in outside free agents. The TPE can only be used on waiver claims or in trades. Besides the Nets will probably use Durant’s TPE before the one they just got for Joe Harris.
Love this move, had a great start to his career in Dallas then was pushed out for Luka. Ended up out of the league, worked to get his way back in via two way deals. Now in FA at 25 he’s back to a full time 1 year deal on a team we’re he will have a good amount of minutes and really be able to showcase his skills once again.
Brooklyn need to add some scorers, Bridges is more of a number 2 or 3 option, Cam Johnson and Dinwiddie are more like 4th options and not that DSJ will come in and provide them will what they need but he will have a good opportunity to earn a role where he maybe plays 25 minutes a night. Would love to see him get his bag and find a team that suits his skill set.
Good move for both parties