NBA Free Agency: Hornets, Dorian Finney-Smith, Lakers, Jonathan Kuminga, Timberwolves

Hornets

The Rockets have agreed to trade veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith and three future second-round picks to the Hornets, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The deal sends Memphis’ 2027 second-round pick, along with Houston’s own second-rounders in 2028 and 2033, to Charlotte.

Finney-Smith signed a four-year contract with the Rockets last summer but never found his footing after returning from ankle surgery. The veteran averaged just 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting 33.3 percent from the field in 37 games.

The move gives Houston considerably more financial flexibility after agreeing to deals with Tari Eason, Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic earlier in free agency.

The Rockets are now expected to open enough room to use the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception rather than the taxpayer version, giving the front office more flexibility as free agency continues.

Charlotte, meanwhile, continues stockpiling draft assets. The Hornets now control 20 second-round picks over the next seven years while taking a low-risk chance on a veteran three-and-D wing.

Lakers

Even after overhauling much of their roster this week, the Lakers reportedly aren’t finished.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Los Angeles continues searching for help on the wing and remains interested in Jonathan Kuminga.

The Lakers recently added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili and Collin Sexton, but still appear to be looking for another athletic forward.

Stein and Fischer also reported the Cavaliers and Bucks have discussed potential sign-and-trade scenarios involving Kuminga, while Atlanta has not ruled out bringing him back despite declining his option earlier this offseason.

Timberwolves

Minnesota also made a run at veteran forward Kenrich Williams before he agreed to return to the Thunder.

According to Darren Wolfson of 5 Eyewitness News and SKOR North, the Timberwolves were among the teams attempting to sign Williams before Oklahoma City retained him on a one-year, $5 million contract.

The Wolves remain in the market for frontcourt help after moving on from both Julius Randle and Naz Reid earlier this offseason.

MORE HOOPS | NBA free agents by position