Whether NBA players like it or not, they’re bound to be included in a trade or two during the course of their careers. For Brooklyn Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith, though, these trades have an effect as they need to face reality when they go through them.
Finney-Smith embarked on his professional basketball journey after going undrafted in the 2016 NBA Draft. He signed with the Dallas Mavericks and joined their 2016 NBA Summer League team. From there, the forward impressed the organization and secured a spot on their regular season roster.

During his early years with the Mavericks from 2016 to 2019, Finney-Smith established himself as a versatile and defensive-minded player. He played a valuable role off the bench, contributing on both ends of the floor. His hard work and development earned him a starting role with Dallas in the 2019-20 season.
Over the next few years, Finney-Smith solidified his status as a key player for the Mavs. He continued to improve his all-around game, becoming a reliable scorer, rebounder, and perimeter defender. In 2023, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets and joined a young core composed of forward Mikal Bridges, former Phoenix Suns star Cameron Johnson, guard Cam Thomas, and former Philadelphia 76ers forward Ben Simmons, among others. However, the team didn’t get to compete and ended with a mediocre record of 32-50 last season.
Brooklyn Nets Forward Dorian Finney-Smith Reveals Reality of Trades in the NBA

Like most players at his level, Finney-Smith is no stranger to being moved around the league. In a tweet by Brian Lewis on X, the veteran forward revealed what it feels likes to be traded in the NBA.
Dorian Finney-Smith on trade rumors: “I’m human. So of course I’ve got family always asking me what’s going on and sh1t like that. But I’m just honest. I’m human so I’m going to pay attention a little bit. But I’m wherever my feet are at. And so I’m a Brooklyn Net.” #Nets
Over the course of his eight-year run in the league, the Nets’ wing averaged 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot 35 percent from deep, making him one of versatile guys who can both defend and space the floor with their outside shooting.

It remains to be seen whether Finney-Smith will remain in Brooklyn or not, especially since he only has two years left in his contract and the final one is a player option. In any case, his revelation just made his and other players’ plight more realistic and relatable to people.

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