The trade idea suggested by Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report would see the Los Angeles Lakers sending Rui Hachimura and the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith.

Buckley believes this trade makes sense for the Lakers, as Finney-Smith would provide them with more two-way talent, perimeter defense, and shooting – areas the Lakers are looking to improve. While Finney-Smith may not be an elite star, his 3-and-D skillset could be a better fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis than Hachimura’s more score-first style.

Finney-Smith is coming off a down shooting season, but playing alongside the Lakers’ stars could help him rediscover the form he showed in Dallas when he shot over 39% from 3-point range. At $14.9 million for next season, his contract is also more manageable than Hachimura’s $17 million player option.

For the Nets, Buckley believes adding Hachimura and the 17th pick could be worth it, even if there isn’t a huge gap between the two forwards. Hachimura is on a similar timeline to Mikal Bridges, so he could help the Nets’ win-now plans. And if those plans change, Hachimura could have decent trade value.

This trade proposal suggests the Lakers could look to upgrade their roster with a 3-and-D wing like Finney-Smith, while the Nets may be open to adding young talent like Hachimura and a first-round pick to their mix as they navigate an uncertain offseason.