Rumors: Mavericks declined to trade Dorian Finney-Smith for first round pick

The Dallas Mavericks have multiple important decisions before the start of next season. Starting forward Dorian Finney-Smith is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and the team will have to go into the luxury tax to retain him and Jalen Brunson. Is owner Mark Cuban willing to pay? If not, trading Doe-Doe before the deadline could be the best option.

The Mavericks believe they can re-sign both Finney-Smith and Brunson when they hit the open market. Both are starting and playing key roles for Dallas, and the team will take a step backward if one or both depart in the offseason.

The Mavs are getting plenty of offers on both Brunson and Finney-Smith, but they are not accepting. Here is a look at the latest rumors, and why it makes sense for Dallas to decline.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks declined to trade Dorian Finney-Smith for 1st round pick

According to HoopsHype, the Mavs declined to swap Finney-Smith for a “potential late lottery pick”. They also noted that Doe-Doe has outplayed his current extension number of four years and $55.6 million, which means he is likely to test the open market in the summer.

There is no word on what team was offering the draft pick or high it could have potentially been, but it makes sense for the Mavericks to decline trading Finney-Smith away for a draft pick. Doe-Doe is a capable starter and underrated 3-and-D wing right now. The draft pick is a lottery ticket that could turn into a starter three years from now.

The Dallas Mavericks have no interest in taking a short-term step backward with one of the five best players in the world on their team. They want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic right now, so moving Dorian Finney-Smith for a draft pick just does not fit their timeline and goals.

The Mavs are searching for upgrades ahead of the Feb. 10 trade deadline, and fans should check back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest rumors and analysis.