According to ESPN's Zach Lowe, the Cleveland Cavaliers are looking for a three-and-defensive wing, with Brooklyn Nets' Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith being potential candidates.
“I know they want to get another 3-and-D wing, a three-point wing,” Lowe said Wednesday on ESPN. Low Post Podcast (56:45)
“I'm actually a little surprised that one of Cam Johnson and Finney-Smith hasn't been traded yet,” Lowe added.
The Cavaliers have limited draft capital to accommodate a potential trade and then have full control of their 2030 first-round pick.
Johnson remains under contract for three more seasons, while Finney-Smith remains under team control for one more season with a player option for 2025-26.
Ben Simmons and Bojan Bogdanovic are both currently under expiring contracts and due to play in the 2024-25 season, but Johnson and Finney-Smith could be the Nets' most valuable trade targets this summer.
of New York Post's Brian Lewis believes “at least one” of the two will be moved this summer as Brooklyn tries to bounce back from missing the playoffs last season.
The Cavaliers need to add wing depth around newly signed Donovan Mitchell in order to build a roster capable of going past the second round in 2025.
However, if the Cavs decide to move on from the Nets, they probably won't be the only team bidding on Johnson and Finney-Smith.
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported Monday that the Toronto Raptors, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers and Orlando Magic are interested in Johnson.
Scott also reported that the Philadelphia 76ers are “interested” in Finney-Smith.
Given the increased interest in three-and-defense wings following the Boston Celtics' dominant playoff run this summer, the price tag for trade candidates like Johnson and Finney-Smith could be high.
Still, it could be worth it to the Cavaliers, who need solid defense and shooting ability. Finney-Smith, who shot 42.1 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from 3-point range last season, is likely to decline his option and opt to trade on the open market given the rising prices for players of his skill set. If the Nets decide to sell him, he could become a more affordable trade option for the draft-capital-poor Cavs.
