Will the Mavericks trade Dorian Finney-Smith?

The Dallas Mavericks are facing a predicament with their roster this summer as Luka Doncic’s max contract extension kicks in. They already have over $136 million committed in salaries and two key free agents to pay in Dorian Finney-Smith and Jalen Brunson. The luxury tax is projected to be at $145 million. Dallas has Bird rights on both players, so will owner Mark Cuban be willing to go into the tax to re-sign both players?

Rival teams do not think so, and they are already circling. Rumors have dropped in recent days about the Mavericks trading Finney-Smith before the Feb. 10 deadline. He is a starter and key rotation cog, but Dallas may not want to risk losing him for no return as an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Will the Mavs trade Doe-Doe? Does that move make sense given their current place in the standings and goals for this season? Let us take a closer look.

Will the Dallas Mavericks trade Dorian Finney-Smith?

Finney-Smith is on one of the most team-friendly contracts in the league right now as he makes just $4 million. The 28-year-old has earned a significant raise as he has transformed into one of the best 3-and-D forwards in the league. Doe-Doe will have multiple suitors, but he remains a key piece for the Mavericks.

Dallas can clear their cap crunch in multiple ways. Moving Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Dwight Powell, or Reggie Bullock gives them enough room to re-sign Finney-Smith and Brunson and stay under the tax.

Trading Dorian Finney-Smith would be easier and get a larger return. Will the Dallas Mavericks move the 6’7 forward before the deadline? Here is the case for and against before attempting to answer the question.