The Grizzlies are engaged in trade talks with the Nets that could send Dorian Finney-Smith to Memphis, sources tell Marc Stein (Twitter link).
Stein refers to the negotiations as “active discussions” and adds that the proposed deal is one he outlined in his recent column, with John Konchar and Luke Kennard going to Brooklyn in return. Konchar is making $6.165MM in the first season of a three-year contract and Kennard is on a one-year deal worth $9.25MM, so their salaries are a good match for Finney-Smith, who is earning $14.9MM this season and has a $15.4MM player option for 2025/26.
However, Stein points out that Kennard would lose his Bird rights if he approves the deal, which might limit his earnings when he becomes a free agent this summer. He can’t be traded without his consent, and he may be reluctant to join a rebuilding team in Brooklyn.
The Nets are asking for Memphis to include a first-round pick in the deal, Stein adds (Twitter link), while the Grizzlies reportedly want a second-round selection in return. NetsDaily passes along similar information, stating that the first-round pick might come in 2026 and adding that “protections are a concern” in finalizing the trade (Twitter link).
Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype (Twitter link) notes that 2026 is one of the few upcoming years when Brooklyn doesn’t already control an extra first-round pick and suggests that Memphis’ selection could gain some value due to swap rights if the Suns are coming off a bad season. The Grizzlies currently have the right to swap their own ’26 first-rounder with the least favorable of Phoenix’s, Orlando’s, and Washington’s picks.
Finney-Smith, 31, could provide a veteran three-and-D wing for the Grizzlies, who are second in the West at 22-10 and appear capable of making a long playoff run. He’s averaging 10.4 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 games this season while shooting 45.9% from the floor and 43.5% from beyond the arc.
Bad deal for Memphis.
Give up a first for a 31 year old on a 1+1 contract
Not only that but he’s a PF and you already have JJJ. Ofcourse Jaren can play C but he’s struggled with rebounding and fouls at that spot and ofcourse DFS can play the 3 but both aren’t perfect situations and they want you to give up a first.
I understand your happy with the core and it’s about marginal upgrades, cut price contracts and having the right role players to make a difference but I don’t think this is the right move.
I’d rather give up that same package for Jordan Clarkson and Drew Eubanks
Clarkson atleast can play 1-3 and is a guarantee to make an impact as a scorer which is always handy off the bench. Plus Eubanks aswell he’s a solid hard working vet back up big
Nah, as a fan of the Jazz I’m obligated to love Jordan Clarkson but he’s nothing more than a low efficiency volume scorer and Eubanks is just another dude. At least Finney-Smith can make a defensive impact and hit some 3’s.
DFS can guard LeBron, Durant, Kawai, even Luka, SGA, Jalen Williams. Aldama, LaRavia, Wells are playing well right now, but playoff is a different beast.
You can not leave DFS open like Lakers did two years ago with Dillon Brooks.
When it’s the playoffs and final minutes of the game I’m expecting the Grizzlies to run out, Ja Bane Smart JJJ and Edey
Smart and JJJ are two former defensive player of the years, so you’ve got two lock down guys there. If anything the want to upgrade is for a more experienced back up 5 or for a back up guard that can play that 6th man scoring role. (Hence why I suggested Clarkson and Eubanks)
But alternatively Mark Williams/Nick Richards over in Charlotte would be good targets and maybe Cody Martin for salary matching and a 3 and D wing type.
Smart is too small to guard big wings like LeBron, Durant, Kawai. JJJ also is not suited well to guard wings. Smart is not a good shooter, teams will leave him open and dare him to shoot, like they did with Dillon Brooks. It will clog the lines for Ja and JJJ.
Anyway DFS is going to Lakers. Grizzlies should target Cam Johnson, he is even better shooter. Smart, LaRavia and 1st rounder should be enough.
Is there also an inactive discussion?
Konchar, Jake L, cash and a 2nd for Finney-Smith. What are you doing. Guess that one guy called it