The Grizzlies are a “team to watch” as the Nets look to move forward Dorian Finney-Smith, Marc Stein reports in his latest Substack post.
The two teams could be a match because Nets have interest in the Grizzlies guard John Konchar. The Magic and Heat are also looking at Konchar as a potential trade target, according to Stein.
It’s no secret Brooklyn is open for business regarding its veteran players as it tries to stockpile assets. Long noted for his defensive prowess, Finney-Smith is averaging 10.8 points and 4.3 rebounds this season. He’s also shooting a career-best 45.2% on 3-point attempts.
Finney-Smith has missed the last three games with a left calf contusion. He’s pulling in $14.9MM this season and has a player option on his contract for 2025/26 worth $15.4MM.
Finney-Smith could provide depth at the power forward spot for the Grizzlies behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and offer an alternative to rookie Jaylen Wells at small forward.
Konchar has seen his playing time plummet this season. He started 46 games over the previous two seasons but has come off the bench in only 15 games this season.
Konchar is in the first season of a three-year, $18.5MM contract. Luke Kennard‘s $9.25MM expiring deal would a logical contract to package with Konchar in a deal for Finney-Smith but there’s a big catch. Kennard has One-Year Bird rights and would lose them if he’s dealt. He would have to approve any trade and it’s hard to see him agreeing to go to a rebuilding team like the Nets.