Among the teams linked to Dorian Finney-Smith, the Memphis Grizzlies were considered one of the favorites to actually land the nine-year veteran.
In fact, Memphis was in the midst of a legitimate negotiation for Finney-Smith’s services. So much so that specific players, like John Konchar, were rumored to be part of their potential trade package. However, the Brooklyn Nets opted to accept the Los Angeles Lakers’ proposal —which was headlined by D’Angelo Russell and three first-round picks —instead. As it so often happens when the dust settles, the Grizzlies full offer for Finney-Smith is now known.
Grizzlies Offer To Nets Revealed Amid Lakers Trade
Though Memphis put together a solid offer for the 3-and-D forward, their offer lacked the Lakers’ pizazz.
The first-round pick that the Grizzlies offered (per HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto), may as well be a second-rounder. Memphis is second in the West at 22-10. Thus, Brooklyn essentially received at least three times the draft capital from Los Angeles. Even more than that actually, considering the “second-round considerations” desired by the Grizzlies.
Before the Brooklyn Nets traded Dorian Finney-Smith to the Los Angeles Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies offered a top-15 protected 2025 first-round pick, Luke Kennard and John Konchar to the Nets for Finney-Smith and second-round considerations, league sources told @hoopshype.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) December 29, 2024
Because Russell’s on an expiring $18.7 million contract, the Nets also have the potential to get more cap relief than they would’ve gotten if they traded for Konchar and Luke Kennard.
Kennard is on an expiring deal; one valued at $9.3 million. However, Konchar makes $6.2 million in each of the next three seasons. Lewis is also under contract for three more seasons but his entire four-year deal pays him $7.7 million.
Why Didn’t They Offer More?
Memphis’ offer may have been less lucrative than the Lakers’ because they aren’t operating from a place of desperation or exaggeration. There’s pressure on their franchise but not as much as what Los Angeles is facing. After all, the Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference despite being a younger team. Meanwhile, the Lakers are fifth in the West while led by two future Hall of Famers.
Furthermore, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has designed an egalitarian offense that Finney-Smith may have thrived in but they don’t need him. Ultimately, he would have been a luxury addition for Memphis. In L.A., he might be a necessary piece to their puzzle.
