The Lakers have joined the trade season action by making quite a splash. Los Angeles is sending D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round picks to the Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. Many contending teams were aggressive in the mix to acquire Finney-Smith.
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However, the Nets settled with expiring deals and multiple second-round picks. As a result, NBA insider, Will Gottlieb, displayed his shock at the package Brooklyn received in exchange for one of the premier 3-and-D wings on the market.
The Grizzlies were in deep conversations with the Nets to acquire Finney-Smith. ESPN’s Shams Charania is responsible for breaking the news and revealed that the Lakers won the bidding war. Memphis reportedly offered a heavily protected first-round pick but the Nets valued the three seconds from the Lakers more. The decision puzzled Gottlieb. He said,
“Multiple teams after [Dorian Finney-Smith] and the Nets could only get expiring and three seconds for him. Not a bad haul, but should provide context to what the Bulls might get for their vets if they are able to move them.”
Multiple teams after DFS and the Nets could only get expiring and 3 seconds for him. Not a bad haul, but should provide good context into what the Bulls might get for their vets if they are able to move them https://t.co/AedvPGN1an
— Will Gottlieb (@Will_Gottlieb) December 29, 2024
Although Gottlieb isn’t the biggest fan of Brooklyn’s haul, he doesn’t believe it’s a bad return for the Nets. On the other hand, ESPN insider Bobby Marks revealed further implications for the Nets financially and moving forward which influenced this deal.
Brooklyn acquiring expiring contracts frees even more money off their books at the end of the season. Additionally, they now have 31 draft picks over the next seven years following the Dennis Schroeder and Finney-Smith trades.
The net return on the Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith trade is 5 seconds.
Brooklyn now has 31 draft picks in the next 7 years
First: 15
Seconds: 16 https://t.co/W868aHysa7
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 29, 2024
On the other hand for the Lakers, the deal not only bolsters their depth but provides more financial flexibility. The Lakers go from $30,000 under the second apron to $3.5 million under the threshold. This also reduces their luxury tax bill from $53.2M to $42M.
The Lakers get much needed wing depth and flexibility below the second apron.
Below 2nd apron: $3.5M (was $30K)
Dorian Finney-Smith: $14.9M and $15.4M (P)
Shake Milton: $2.9M, $3M (NGTY), $3.3M (NGTY)
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 29, 2024
At first glance, the deal seems one-sided in favor of the Lakers. However, Shams highlights the significant return of draft capital and financial flexibility, which helps the Nets in their efforts to tank for the rest of the season.
The Lakers land a versatile, 3-and-D addition with Dorian Finney-Smith, who is shooting a career-high 44% from 3-point land. L.A. also creates salary and luxury tax flexibility, saving $15 million. Nets receive draft capital and clean salaries in return. pic.twitter.com/uyKzvMG6zf
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2024
This deal may seem like a small deal, but could have major implications for the trade market according to Gottlieb.
What this trade means for the Bulls
Similar to the Nets, there have been multiple reports stating the Bulls are looking to offload their veterans, Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, and Zach Lavine. The team is looking to wipe their hands clean of the Lavine era but has yet to make progress on any potential trades. However, that may be on the horizon after the Nets set the market.
Although the Bulls desire first-round draft picks in return, they might have to settle for less. The Nets didn’t receive a single first-round pick in any of their trades for Schroder or Finney-Smith.
There is a reality where the Bulls decide to keep their veterans because they don’t have any interest in the return packages for any trades, which could be traced back to the Nets.
