Charlotte Hornets Secure Dorian Finney-Smith in NBA Trade with Houston Rockets

The Charlotte Hornets continue to actively reshape their roster, now welcoming an experienced wing player. In their latest NBA maneuver, the Hornets have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith from the Houston Rockets. Alongside the veteran forward, three second-round picks are heading to Charlotte.

Finney-Smith is expected to bolster the young Hornets squad with his veteran presence. The team recently drafted two German rookies, Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson, in the first round.

During his ten seasons in the NBA, the 32-year-old has established a strong reputation as a reliable 3-and-D player. Finney-Smith began his career with the Dallas Mavericks, later playing for the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers before joining the Rockets last summer.

His time in Houston was challenging, as he appeared in only 37 games, averaging a mere 3.3 points off the bench and shooting just 27 percent from three-point range. This marks a significant drop from his 2024/2025 season with the Nets, where he averaged 10.4 points and shot 43.5 percent from downtown as a starter.

Rockets Benefit from Finney-Smith's Departure by Clearing Cap Space

The primary advantage for the Rockets in this trade is shedding Finney-Smith's contract. He is set to earn approximately $40 million over the next three years, with $13.3 million due in the upcoming season.

Houston's financial and roster situations had become tighter following the acquisitions of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovich. This trade also creates a $13 million trade exception for the Rockets.

Unusual Consequence: Hornets Amass 20 Second-Round Picks in Seven Years

On the other side, the Hornets not only gain a new player but also secure three future second-round draft picks. This acquisition brings the Hornets' total to an impressive 20 second-round picks over the next seven years, giving them the second-most draft capital in the entire NBA.

Following an inspiring and surprising turnaround last season, which concluded in the Play-In tournament against the Orlando Magic, the Hornets have made significant, and somewhat unexpected, changes to their roster this summer.

While ROTY candidate Kon Knueppel and young player Brandon Miller are expected to take on greater roles, LaMelo Ball was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Josh Green was also part of that deal. In return, Charlotte received Naz Reid, an unprotected first-round pick (2033), three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, 2030), and three second-round picks (2029, 2032, 2033).

Following the significant Ball trade, another key player, Miles Bridges, along with two draft picks (2nd round 2027, 1st round 2029), was sent to the Phoenix Suns. In exchange, Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a future first-round pick (2033) are headed to Head Coach Charles Lee's team.

NBA: Dorian Finney-Smith's Career Stops at a Glance

Period	Team
2016-2023	Dallas Mavericks
2023-2024	Brooklyn Nets
2024-2025	Los Angeles Lakers
2025-2026	Houston Rockets
2026-Present	Charlotte Hornets