Nets Rumors: Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O'Neale in Trade Talks Before 2023 NBA Draft

The Brooklyn Nets have discussed trades involving Royce O'Neale and Dorian Finney-Smith, according to Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer.

Fischer reported the Nets set the asking price for Finney-Smith at a draft pick and a player. For O'Neale, they're looking to recoup the first-round pick they sent to the Utah Jazz to acquire him in the first place.

Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer previously reported both players were the source of outside interest. The New York Post's Brian Lewis reported Brooklyn declined an offer of two first-round picks for Finney-Smith ahead of the 2023 trade deadline, while O'Neale's value was set at a first-rounder.

The Nets don't have a strong incentive to tank when so much of their first-round draft capital for the next few years is in the hands of the Houston Rockets. That probably won't preclude them from dealing a veteran on Finney-Smith or O'Neale's level, though.

The front office could use more picks to either fill out the roster with young, cost-controlled talent or as part of a larger package to pursue a superstar down the road.

Finney-Smith is a solid perimeter defender whose departure made an already middling defense even worse for the Dallas Mavericks. He's also signed to a team-friendly four-year, $55.6 million contract that has two guaranteed years remaining.

O'Neale is a 38.4 percent three-point shooter for his career, and he's a solid rebounder (4.8 boards per game) given his 6'4" frame. He's on an expiring deal with a pretty modest $9.5 million salary for 2023-24.

Either player would be a smart addition for a team with postseason aspirations.