New York is the Mecca of basketball. The city can host two NBA teams without a problem. As a result, there’s an ongoing battle for the city’s heart.

The Brooklyn Nets were positioned to win that battle. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on the roster, they were more relevant than the Knicks had been in years. In the end, the super team would fall apart.

By contrast, the Knicks have been plugging along. It’s been a while since this team made a major acquisition, but they’re been more competitive than the Nets.

Could they acquire Dorian Finney-Smith from their intercity rival?

NBA Trade Proposal: New York Knicks Land Brooklyn Nets’ Dorian Finney-Smith

Brooklyn Nets Receive: G/F Evan Fournier, 2024 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – NYK)

New York Knicks Receive: F Dorian Finney-Smith, F Royce O’Neale

On the other hand, some will question whether the Nets could ever win the battle for New York. The Knicks are a cultural staple in the city. How could the Nets ever overtake them?

Well, it would be fair to say that the Knicks have alienated some fans over the years. This organization has developed a reputation for poor decision-making.

As a result, it’s been a while since they were relevant. The Knicks haven’t been in the NBA Finals since the 1990s. Don’t blame the current regime.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks Updates

In recent years, the Knicks have been patient. They’ve been sensible. This organization has stockpiled assets and reasonable contracts.

Should they give up an asset now?

Why The New York Knicks Do The Deal

Here’s the thing about reasonable contracts – they aren’t worth much if you don’t do anything with them. Evan Fournier’s contract is about to expire. If the Knicks don’t move him, it will be as if he was never on the team.

That’s fine. Still, the Knicks should make use of his expiring deal to improve the team. They’re in the thick of the playoff race for the second consecutive season. This is a legitimate team – why not get better?

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks Updates

That’s what they’d be doing here. Suddenly, the Knicks would have one of the best rotations of defensive wings in the NBA. They could use a bulkier wing like Finney-Smith as well.

Should the Nets give him up?

Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal

The Nets can’t be solely concerned with surpassing the Knicks. They need to look at their place in the Eastern Conference more broadly. So far, it’s not looking as good as it could. The Nets are middling.

That doesn’t make this an easy decision. Brooklyn owes control of their draft to the Houston Rockets through to 2027. This team has no incentive to lose, and this deal makes them worse.

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Dorian Finney-Smith, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks Updates

It also gets them a first-round pick that’s nearly certain to convey. The Nets could also use Fournier’s expiring deal if they extend Nicolas Claxton this summer. He could be a key player in their battle for basketball’s Mecca.

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