The Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets have completed a notable trade. The Lakers moved on from D’Angelo Russell in exchange for defensive specialist Dorian Finney-Smith and ball-handler Shake Milton.
Grade The Trade: Lakers Acquire Finney-Smith For DLO; Updated Cap, Draft Picks
Trade Details
Lakers receive:
Dorian Finney-Smith
Shake Milton
Nets receive:
D’Angelo Russell
2027 2nd-round pick
2030 2nd-round pick
2031 2nd-round pick
Lakers’ Perspective: An All-In Move for Defense and Depth
The Lakers needed to move Russell. His expiring contract ($18.6m cap hit for 2024-25) provided a perfect trade chip. Moreover, he’s having one of the worst seasons of his career. His inconsistent play and poor defense made him a liability on a team with championship aspirations.
Acquiring Finney-Smith addresses one of the Lakers’ biggest weaknesses: wing defense. Finney-Smith is an elite three-and-D player. He improves the Lakers’ 21st-ranked defense significantly and can also contribute offensively. His $14.9 million cap hit is manageable, and his 2025-26 player option offers flexibility.
Adding Milton gives the Lakers another capable ball-handler. Milton’s contract is minimal, with two non-guaranteed years, making him a low-risk addition.
The Lakers also avoided giving up first-round picks. Instead, they parted with three second-rounders. For a team in win-now mode, second-round picks hold little value. The Lakers have a track record of finding talent in the undrafted market, making second-round picks even less valuable to them.
Grade: A
Nets’ Perspective: Stockpiling Picks for the Future
This trade underscores the Nets’ rebuilding focus. Reacquiring Russell isn’t about his play; it’s about his expiring contract. The Nets gain three second-round picks while swapping Finney-Smith for Russell.
The trade also gives Brooklyn flexibility to flip Russell for more assets before the February deadline. This strategy aligns with their recent move to trade Dennis Schroder for picks.
Finney-Smith’s trade value was high. He’s shooting a career-best 43% from three while averaging 10.4 points per game. Some might question whether the Nets could have held onto him longer to secure a better return. However, adding picks and maintaining flexibility remains a win.
Grade: B
Lakers’ Updated Cap and Draft Pick Situation
The Lakers have bolstered their roster while creating breathing room under the second apron. They now sit $3.5 million below the second apron, compared to just $30,000 before the trade.
Finney-Smith’s Contract: $14.9 million this season, $15.4 million player option for 2025-26.
Milton’s Contract: $2.9 million this season, non-guaranteed $3.0 million (2025) and $3.3 million (2026).
The Lakers retain four tradeable draft picks, including three first-rounders in 2027 (if 1-4 because its top-4 protected), 2029, and 2030. These assets position them well for future moves. The Lakers are hardcapped at the second apron for this season.
Nets’ Updated Cap and Draft Pick Situation
Brooklyn now holds 31 draft picks over the next seven years. This includes 15 first-rounders and 16 second-rounders. The team also has $59 million in salaries entering the 2025 offseason, giving them nearly $100 million in cap space.
The Nets are $1.9 million below the first apron, where they are hardcapped. They also hold a variety of trade exceptions ranging from $2.6 million to $23 million.
Lakers Adding Finney-Smith Is a Great Move
The Lakers addressed their defensive shortcomings and added depth without surrendering first-round picks. Finney-Smith’s addition improves their title chances, while Milton provides low-risk support.
The Nets, meanwhile, continued their long-term strategy of amassing picks and cap space. While losing Finney-Smith hurts, the return aligns with their rebuilding goals.
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