Dallas Mavericks need to bring back Dorian Finney-Smith

Dorian Finney-Smith wanted to stay with Dallas Mavericks

Finney-Smith called the trade “bittersweet”, according to the Dallas Morning News (subscription required). He stated several times that he wanted to be in Dallas, including after signing a four-year extension at the 2022 trade deadline.

The Mavs signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2016, and he spent six and a half seasons with the franchise. Coming out of the University of Florida, he was known strictly as a defender. His jumper needed work, and the 29-year-old became a lights-out shooter in Dallas. Doe-Doe also became an unquestioned starter and valuable 3-and-D wing with the Mavericks.

The Virginia native had a new home in Dallas, and he would likely be eager to return to the Mavs. It would be a chance to reunite with Luka Doncic and to play with Kyrie Irving. The duo would feed Finney-Smith open looks and give him a chance to make another deep playoff run. Dallas is closer than people think with two superstars. If they improve their defense and depth, the Mavs will be a feared team next season.

Dorian Finney-Smith could be a key piece of that mix, which is exactly why the Dallas Mavericks should do whatever it takes to get him back this summer.