The Indiana Pacers have won three of their last four, but it has not erased their disappointing start. They are 12-15 on the season and three games out of the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers just traded for a backup center and plan on being in contention after last season’s run to the conference finals. They must play better to make that a reality.
Fans should expect more trades. Myles Turner will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but do not panic. Turner has stayed with the organization for a decade. He could easily re-sign in the summer. The Pacers need Tyrese Haliburton to play like a star, and the team wants more talent around him.
The perfect fit had ties to head coach Rick Carlisle, offers strong two-way production, and is readily available. Indiana must act fast before it is too late. The Nets already traded Dennis Schroder, and this 3-and-D wing could be next.
Dorian Finney-Smith is the perfect trade target for the Pacers
Finney-Smith began his NBA career as an undrafted free agent in 2016. He quickly signed with the Mavericks and blossomed under head coach Rick Carlisle. The 6’7 forward shot under 30 percent from 3-point range in his first two seasons, but he kept improving. He was over 39 percent in his final two full years in Dallas and has made 37.5 percent over the last five seasons combined.
The Nets are 10-15 to start this season but want to tank. They traded Mikal Bridges in the offseason to get into the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes. Brooklyn is winning too many games, so they dumped Dennis Schroder for three second-round draft picks. Cameron Johnson and Finney-Smith figure to be traded before the deadline to further push the Nets toward the bottom.
The Pacers need a 6’7 option on the wing, especially if they plan on starting Haliburton and Andrew Nembhard in the backcourt. Indiana has size in the frontcourt with Pascal Siakam and Turner but needs a stout defensive wing capable of guarding multiple positions. Finding a plus-shooter would be ideal, which makes Finney-Smith the perfect fit.
His history of success under coach Carlisle only adds to it. Finney-Smith could make an instant impact in Indiana and help the Pacers get back into serious contention. Brooklyn wants to move on quickly and is lowering their asking price to do it. Now is the perfect time to make a trade. It gives Indiana more time with Doe-Doe, and the Nets additional losses in their race to the bottom.
The Indiana Pacers figure to be active and aggressive before the Feb. 6 trade deadline. They acquired Pascal Siakam last season and reached the conference finals. Can the franchise repeat the feat? Do not be surprised to see them try.