Rumors: 2 Dallas Mavericks trade targets' asking prices could significantly drop
By Noah Weber
The Dallas Mavericks have been no stranger to trade rumors this season, and they have been linked to many players across the league.
Dallas has been linked to players like Jerami Grant, P.J. Washington, and Isaiah Stewart, but they have also been in trade rumors for two players from the Brooklyn Nets. The Mavs made a trade with the Nets last year as they acquired Kyrie Irving at the trade deadline last season, and another move could be on the way this season.
Dallas has shown interest in Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O'Neale, and according to one report, the Nets' asking price for them both could go down.
Rumors: 2 Dallas Mavericks trade targets' asking prices could significantly drop
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, executives around the league think that a trade for O'Neale could command multiple second-round picks rather than a first-round pick(s). These same executives also said that they think Finney-Smith "could garner a first-round pick and a rotation player" rather than the originally reported multiple first-round picks.
This is good news for the Mavs, as they can't trade multiple first-round picks in the first place. If they could construct a deal that lands them Finney-Smith and O'Neale, that could turn them into true contenders. Both are elite role players, and their defense is excellent.
This season for Brooklyn, Finney-Smith is averaging 9.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting 38.3 percent from downtown. He is one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA, and it's been reported that Finney-Smith would like to return to Dallas one day.
On the other hand, is O'Neale, and although he doesn't have the same size as Finney-Smith, he would be a great alternative. This season for the Nets, O'Neale is averaging 7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game. Just like Finney-Smith, he is a switchable defender and a consistent 3-point shooter.
Either player would be a great fit next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, and if their asking prices are as low as these executives expect, then maybe the Mavs will give the Nets a call.
For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and their potential trade deadline endeavors, stay tuned.