The Brooklyn Nets have finalized a trade that sends Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Maxwell Lewis, and three future second-round draft picks. This trade marks a significant move for both teams as they seek to reshape their rosters. The deal was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by the Daily News, though full details are still pending.
In a previous transaction, the Nets had already traded Dennis Schröder along with a 2025 second-round pick to the Golden State Warriors, acquiring De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman, and three unprotected second-round picks in return. With the latest trade, Brooklyn has managed to secure a reliable point guard in Russell and a promising prospect in Lewis, while also amassing a total of 31 draft picks over the next seven years, including 15 first-round picks and 16 second-round picks.
Finney-Smith, known for his versatility on defense, has had a challenging season due to injuries, appearing in only 20 games and averaging 10.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists with impressive shooting percentages. Meanwhile, Milton has contributed off the bench, averaging 7.4 points and 2.4 assists. Russell, a former All-Star with the Nets, is currently on an expiring contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 4.7 assists this season.
Maxwell Lewis, who was drafted by the Denver Nuggets and later traded to the Lakers, has played limited minutes in the league thus far, appearing in just seven games this season. He brings youthful energy and potential to the Nets as they look to build for the future.
