NBA Trade Rumors: Cavs Want a 3-and-D Wing; Nets' Cam Johnson, Finney-Smith Linked
July 4, 2024
The Cleveland Cavaliers want a three-and-D wing, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe, and Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith could be part of their search.
"I know that they would love to get another three-and-D wing—a three-and-D wing," Lowe said said Wednesday on ESPN's The Lowe Post podcast (56:45 mark.)
He added: "I'm actually a little surprised that Cam Johnson and Finney-Smith, one of them has not been traded yet."
The Cavaliers have limited draft capital to deal in a potential trade and next have full control over a first-round pick in 2030.
Johnson is signed on for three more seasons, while Finney-Smith is under team control for one more campaign with a player option for 2025-26.
Outside of Ben Simmons and Bojan Bogdanović, both of whom are set to play the 2024-25 season on expiring contracts, Johnson and Finney-Smith could be the Nets' two most valuable trade pieces this summer.
The New York Post's Brian Lewis believes "at least one" of the pair will be moved this summer as Brooklyn looks to retool from a playoff miss last season.
The Cavaliers need to build out their wing depth around the newly-extended Donovan Mitchell in order to build a roster that can make it past the second round in 2025.
But the Cavs likely wouldn't be the only team bidding on Johnson and Finney-Smith if they decide to pitch the Nets.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Monday that the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic were interested in Johnson.
Scotto has also reported that the Philadelphia 76ers have "exploratory interest" in Finney-Smith.
Given the rising interest in three-and-D wings after the Boston Celtics' dominant run to a playoff title this summer, the prices for trade candidates like Johnson or Finney-Smith could be high.
That could still be worth it for a Cavaliers team looking for consistent defense and shooting. Finney-Smith, who shot 42.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from deep last season, seems likely to decline his option in favor of the open market given the rising prices for players with his skill set. That might make him a more affordable trade option for the draft capital-strapped Cavaliers if the Nets decide to market him.