Entering 2024, the Oklahoma City Thunder (22-9) possess one of the best records in the league and are second in the Western Conference standings.
Barring a seismic collapse, the Thunder will enter the Feb. 8 trade deadline as buyers for the first time in years. Considering how filthy rich OKC is with draft capital and roster a bench full of young prospects, the Thunder have enough resources to strengthen their weaknesses with outside additions.
Considering the Thunder’s history, any big-time moves likely will not happen within the season. Instead, look for OKC to improve on the margins. This could mean adding a bench piece that could provide valuable rotation minutes in the playoffs.
A potential target is Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith. The 30-year-old was part of the Kyrie Irving trade that landed the All-Star guard with the Dallas Mavericks last February.
As the Nets continue to slide — they’re 15-18 and have lost eight of their last 10 games — perhaps they can be seen as a seller for this season’s trade deadline.
In his eighth season, Finney-Smith has developed into a solid wing defender who can stretch the floor. Those prototypes are extremely valuable for contenders as they look to make deep playoff runs.
In 30 games, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.2 points on 45% shooting, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists. He’s shooting an impressive 43% from 3 on 5.5 attempts.
Finney-Smith’s salary this season is at $13.9 million. Next season, it’ll be $14.9 million, and he has a player option for the 2025-26 season of $15.4 million.
Those are extremely reasonable numbers for the type of production Finney-Smith brings. If the Thunder acquire him, they’ll get a guaranteed 1.5 seasons of solid play.
Thunder Wire’s Clemente Almanza worked with Nets Wire’s Sharif Phillips-Keaton to create a deal to see what a possible trade could look like.