Hornets not expected to keep Dorian Finney-Smith

The Charlotte Hornets have officially finalized their trade to acquire veteran forward Dorian Finney-Smith from the Houston Rockets.

As part of the deal, Charlotte also received three second-round draft picks.

The Hornets used most of their Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception to complete the transaction and absorb Finney-Smith’s contract.

Although Finney-Smith is now on the Hornets’ roster, he is not expected to play for the team.

Instead, the move was primarily made to secure the additional draft assets rather than add the veteran forward to Charlotte’s long-term plans.

The three newly acquired second-round picks further strengthen the growing collection of draft capital being assembled by Hornets general manager Jeff Peterson as the franchise continues building for the future.

Dorian Finney-Smith Unlikely To Play For Hornets https://t.co/LAC4vMHbCb

— RealGM (@RealGM) July 7, 2026