The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason began much sooner than they wanted it to. A second-round loss to the Indiana Pacers exposed issues with the Cavaliers roster that Mike Gansey will have to solve. One of the biggest is Jarrett Allen’s long-term fit. With rumors swirling around Allen, one name has emerged as a potential trade return; Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith.
Finney-Smith has been one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA over the last few seasons. His skillset saw him bounce around the league from the Dallas Mavericks to the Brooklyn Nets and finally to the Lakers. With Los Angeles and general manager Rob Pelinka looking to add a center to play alongside Luka Doncic, an Allen for Finney-Smith swap could be a win-win deal.
According to Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz, Finney-Smith could fit the lineup well, especially if an Allen trade happens.
“Finney-Smith would be a superb 3-and-D starting power forward if Jarrett Allen is traded and the Cavaliers move Mobley to center,” Swartz said.
Allen has been a key piece of the Cavaliers’ success over the past few seasons. The former All-Star has played well on both sides of the court with Cleveland. However, his playoff numbers did not take a jump, leaving fans wanting more out him.
Finney-Smith, on the other hand, is a star in his role. As a catch-and-shoot role player for Los Angeles, the wing shot close to 40% from deep while playing great perimeter defense.
Any trade involving one of the Cavaliers’ four All-Stars will make headlines this summer. However, experts anticipate some kind of move to improve the overall roster.
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson spent a lot of time in the film room after the season ended. He has voiced his commitment to figuring out a new scheme. Fans hope that Gansey is working just as hard to tweak the roster this summer.
