Report: Cavaliers Would’ve Likely Acquired Dorian Finney-Smith If Nets, Isaac Okoro Deal Happened

According to NBA reporter Evan Dammarell of ClutchPoints, the Cleveland Cavaliers would’ve likely acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Brooklyn Nets if the Isaac Okoro sign-and-trade deal happened. 

“Sources have confirmed with ClutchPoints the initial reporting that while restricted free agent forward Isaac Okoro and the Brooklyn Nets were interested in a deal, things didn’t get far,” Dammarell reported. “If something were to have happened between Okoro and Brooklyn, then Cleveland would’ve likely gotten back Dorian Finney-Smith in a sign-and-trade deal that would’ve sent Okoro to the Nets. However, a deal probably won’t happen now with things dragging on through free agency, especially with the Nets and Cavs dealing with tight financial margins.”

Finney-Smith averaged 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks for the Nets in 2023-24 while shooting 42.1% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc and 71.7% from the free-throw line. He’ll make $14.9 million in 2024-25. 

Finney-Smith has career averages of 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks with the Dallas Mavericks and Nets. 

Okoro’s qualifying offer is worth $11.8 million and he’s expected to sign it. He would become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if he signed the qualifying offer.

The Cavaliers drafted Okoro with the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft out of Auburn. He has career averages of 8.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks in 279 games. 

Okoro appeared in 69 games for the Cavaliers this past season. He averaged 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks while shooting 49.0% from the field, 39.1% from beyond the arc and 67.9% from the free-throw line. 

“While other NBA teams could try to facilitate an Okoro sign-and-trade with Cleveland, his free agency market remains quiet,” Dammarell wrote. “With the Cavs set to kick off training camp in less than two months, a decision must be made. Historically speaking, Cleveland is a patient and pragmatic team in their decision-making. They’ve already made an offer to Okoro that they think is fair, and now, the Cavs have to wait and see what Okoro decides.

“It appears that, for now, all options for Okoro in restricted free agency have been exhausted. With that in mind, sources across the league have expressed to ClutchPoints that Okoro will pick up his $11.8 million qualifying offer from Cleveland. From there, Okoro is more or less betting on himself next season, which could be his last with the Cavs.”