Could Raptors target Nets standout in offseason trade talks?

The Toronto Raptors have reportedly been eyeing some significant changes to the depth chart in the next few months following their play-in loss, which could be a precursor to a seismic trade that shatters the very foundations of this team. Perhaps a deal with the rival Brooklyn Nets might be enough to sate their desire for a fresh new look?

Toronto is in a position where they could sell off some of their better players in an attempt to either get some value back in a sign-and-trade or acquire enough players to retool the bench. They may need to look to one of their division rivals if they want to potentially send one of their starters over in exchange for a collection of role players.

Free from the constraints of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets have enough money to make some big-name additions while still building around players like Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson. With a ton of 6-8 forwards on the roster, any move Brooklyn and Toronto end up consummated could send one very consistent wing back to Canada.

Bleacher Report mentioned Dorian Finney-Smith, who was recently acquired from the Dallas Mavericks in the Irving deal, as a potential trade target the Raptors should keep in their sights. With the uncertainty surrounding Otto Porter Jr. and his healthy, Finney-Smith profiles as a great defender and shooter.

Will the Toronto Raptors trade for Dorian Finney-Smith?

Finney-Smith has averaged 9.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game over the last four seasons with Dallas and Brooklyn. Finney-Smith’s efficiency, albeit in a very limited role, was impressive, as he hit 45% of his shots overall and 37% of his 3-pointers in that span.

Finney-Smith leaving the Mavericks was one of the main reasons their defense cratered late in the season, and he also was instrumental in keeping the Nets in the postseason after all these trades. New players might be coming, but the “Vision 6-9” philosophy as a whole might not be on the way out.

While Finney-Smith alone would not be adequate compensation in either a sign-and-trade or straight-up swap with Brooklyn, the Raptors need to at least attempt to squeeze him into the package. While nowhere near as good as OG Anunoby, he often plays like a generic, store-brand version.

Finney-Smith is not going to represent Toronto making a move so jarring that the entire formula they used to build the roster will get scrapped. Finney-Smith is a player Toronto has likely coveted for a long time.