Houston Rockets forward Dorian Finney-Smith (2) shoots the ball in the first half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.
Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Following the LaMelo Ball trade, the Charlotte Hornets have entered a period of uncertainty. Without a star or any clear direction for the future, nobody knows what to expect from this Hornets team or what moves they might make to elevate their position in the Eastern Conference.
For now, the Hornets’ main focus is clearing up their logjam on the wing, as they currently have 21 players on the roster. As it stands, there are multiple ways they can make the space and trim down their rotation, but Charlotte is reportedly looking at Dorian Finney-Smith as their primary trade candidate.
“Charlotte still has some roster work to do, however. The Hornets currently have more players than they can carry into the regular season, meaning at least two moves are expected before opening night,” wrote NBA insider Sam Amico. “One area to watch is the wing, where Charlotte currently has Brandon Miller, Royce O’Neale, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Liam McNeeley. NBA on SI identified Finney-Smith as one possible trade candidate given the logjam.”
The Hornets have been busy this summer. After trading LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, they picked up Dennis Schroder in exchange for Tre Mann and cash. They also sent away Miles Bridges in a deal with the Suns forGrayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, and draft considerations.
Heading into next season, the Hornets are unlikely to be competitive, and that makes Finney-Smith among their more expendable assets. The 33-year-old swingman only played 37 games for the Rockets last season, averaging 3.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game on 33.3% shooting from the field. Even so, he’s an experienced veteran who can stretch the floor and provide a key offensive spark off the bench.
At this time, it’s unclear which teams might pursue Finney-Smith, but the price would likely be low given the Hornets’ current situation. With that in mind, the Lakers might be an ideal fit, assuming tensions have cooled from last summer’s free agency. They’ve been looking for help on the wing all summer long, pursuing free agents like Jonathan Kuminga and Peyton Watson. They’ve been unable to secure a deal so far, but they might have an easier time getting DFS.
The 6’7″ forward played for the Los Angeles Lakers in 2024-25, so he already has experience with the team. He could slide right into the starting lineup if necessary and help space the floor with his shooting and perimeter scoring. As long as the Lakers are willing to give up one of their second-round picks, he remains an affordable alternative if they don’t land their most preferred targets.
Another potential team for Finney-Smith is the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s no secret that they’ve been looking to add to their roster after striking out on LeBron James, and Finney-Smith seems like a viable option. His presence on the wing will give the Cavs another weapon and help ease scoring pressure off the star backcourt. Like the Lakers, Cleveland has also been in the race for Kuminga and Watson, making Dorian Finney-Smith an acceptable choice if they sign elsewhere.
Ultimately, there’s no way to know where Finney-Smith ends up, but he’s exactly the kind of role player that teams value in the modern NBA. So, whether it’s in Charlotte or somewhere else, we can be sure that Dorian will be a part of some rotation next season, and it could make a bigger difference than you think.