Predicting the Clippers' perfect starting lineup after ideal offseason
By Tyler Watts
PF: Dorian Finney-Smith
The Brooklyn Nets missed the postseason and have an ill-fitting roster. They are loaded on the wings but need a star to lift them. The Nets will be searching for a point guard and have to decide what to do at the five as Nicolas Claxton heads into free agency. Brooklyn could look extremely different to start next season, and it may start with trading a wing.
Finney-Smith is under contract for $14.9 million next season and has a $15.3 million player option for the 2025-26 campaign. The 31-year-old may opt out in hopes of finding a long-term deal.
The Clippers have just one first-round draft pick to trade, so they must find a team like the Nets with a glut on the wing. Finney-Smith averaged just 8.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 28.4 minutes per game last season. He has transformed into a plus shooter and would give the Clippers another capable playoff performer.
Tyronn Lue may choose to keep Terance Mann in the starting five. Dorian Finney-Smith would give him the option of going smaller and keeping shooting on the floor. Lue loves to downsize. DFS can even play some small ball five in the playoffs if the Clippers decide to go that route.