In a game-changing move, free agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith has inked a lucrative four-year, $53 million deal with the Houston Rockets, according to sources. Known for his prowess as a 3-and-D wing, Finney-Smith's sharpshooting abilities, registering a career-high 41% on 3-pointers, are set to bolster Houston's wing depth significantly. The 32-year-old also made waves with his defensive capabilities, notably limiting All-Star players to just 47% effective shooting in the half court, cementing him as a top-tier defender. With the ability to seamlessly mesh with former teammate Luka Doncic, whom he played alongside for five years in Dallas, Finney-Smith's arrival in Houston marks a pivotal moment for the Rockets in their quest for dominance.
Finney-Smith's decision to part ways with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played a pivotal role following a trade from Brooklyn last December, signals a new chapter in his career. Opting out of his $15.4 million player option, the versatile defender's move to Houston sets the stage for a potential shift in the team's rotation, possibly filling the void left by the departure of Dillon Brooks in the blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant. With a proven track record of enhancing small-ball lineups and a knack for delivering impactful minutes on both ends of the floor, Finney-Smith's acquisition has sent shockwaves through the NBA landscape, positioning the Rockets as formidable contenders in the upcoming season.