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The Brooklyn Nets were at the center of a tense and competitive trade scenario, hosting a bidding war between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies over forward Dorian Finney-Smith.

According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the process left “hard feelings emanating from both the Grizzlies and the Nets” due to how the negotiations were conducted and eventually resolved.

Despite Memphis being heavily involved and nearing a deal, the Nets ultimately traded Finney-Smith to the Lakers.

The finalized deal sent Finney-Smith to Los Angeles in exchange for veteran guard D’Angelo Russell, promising rookie Maxwell Lewis, and three second-round draft picks.

The Grizzlies, however, were deeply invested in securing Finney-Smith and had reportedly crafted a competitive trade package. Their offer included a 2025 first-round pick that carried protections for the top 17 selections.

In addition to the draft capital, Memphis proposed sending John Konchar and Luke Kennard to Brooklyn as part of the package, which would also help balance salaries.

Interestingly, the deal also stipulated that the Nets would send a second-round pick back to Memphis, a component that likely factored into Brooklyn’s decision-making process.

Ultimately, the Grizzlies’ efforts fell short, leaving them dissatisfied with how the bidding war concluded.

Adding another layer of complexity to Memphis’s dealings with Brooklyn, the Grizzlies have reportedly expressed interest in Cameron Johnson, another key player on the Nets’ roster.

Brooklyn, however, has drawn a firm line, maintaining that any trade involving Johnson would come at a significantly higher cost than what they required for Finney-Smith.

Johnson’s combination of youth, shooting ability, and versatility has made him a valuable asset, further complicating Memphis’s efforts to bolster their roster through trades.

For the Nets, the trade with the Lakers represents a calculated move aimed at balancing their roster while adding future assets.

Meanwhile, for the Grizzlies, it’s a frustrating near-miss in their quest to strengthen their lineup, with the unresolved interest in Johnson keeping the door open for potential future dealings between the two teams.

Finney-Smith has played nine NBA seasons with the Mavericks, Nets, and Lakers. Over 550 regular-season games, he has averaged 8.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and contributed consistently as a versatile forward.