Trade Proposal
**Brooklyn Nets Receive:** G Gabe Vincent, G/F Cam Reddish
**Los Angeles Lakers Receive:** F Dorian Finney-Smith
Can a team have too many playmakers? It’s a tricky question, but generally, the answer is no—unless those playmakers don’t mesh well. The effectiveness of playmakers often depends on their ball dominance and shooting ability.
Consider this: a playmaker who can’t shoot typically needs the ball in their hands. While you can design plays for them to cut, it’s a limited strategy. A non-shooting playmaker often ends up being ball-dominant, which can create challenges when playing alongside others who also need the ball. The Lakers experienced this firsthand when they brought in Russell Westbrook to pair with LeBron James.
At last year’s trade deadline, they resolved this issue by trading Westbrook for D’Angelo Russell, a move that made sense. Russell serves as a solid secondary playmaker and can spread the floor. In contrast, Vincent tends to play more off the ball. Should the Lakers trade him for Finney-Smith?
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Would Consider the Trade
The Lakers would need to find a replacement for Vincent. Unless Jalen Hood-Schifino is prepared to step up, this deal would leave them without a backup point guard. However, the Lakers could likely find a veteran on the buyout market looking to join a competitive team.
That said, this scenario is a bit in the future. Since they just signed Vincent, he’s currently subject to trade restrictions. As the trade deadline approaches, the Lakers should assess their performance. If they believe they could use an upgrade, adding a versatile 3-and-D wing like Finney-Smith could be appealing.
Finney-Smith fits the bill as an affordable option. Although he can be an inconsistent shooter, when he’s on, he’s one of the top 3-and-D wings in the league. Would the Nets be willing to part with him?
Why the Brooklyn Nets Would Consider the Trade
The term “3-and-D wing” is often misapplied. For instance, while Mikal Bridges excels in that role, he’s also a dynamic shot creator. Royce O’Neale has proven to be a capable passer, but the Nets’ pure 3-and-D wings are Finney-Smith and Cameron Johnson. Since they recently signed Johnson to a lucrative deal and he’s a reliable shooter, moving Finney-Smith could help diversify their rotation.
If the Nets agree to the trade, it would be a reasonable exchange. Adding Vincent would provide depth at point guard, and Reddish has the potential to grow into a shot-creating 3-and-D player. If he develops well, the Nets might look to make additional trades in the future.
