76ers Rumors: Despite $12 Million Handicap, Daryl Morey to Battle Cavs For 31YO Star After Stealing Caleb Martin

The trade market has been steaming strongly with the Philadelphia 76ers‘ hunt for the 31-year-old wing Dorian Finney-Smith. The Brooklyn Nets small forward has got the attention of the Sixers for quite a time now. About a week ago, HoopsHype reported that the Sixers have “exploratory interest” in the wingman for their roster. However, the trade was still there with a clear message that “nothing is imminent there.” However, it seems that serious developments have taken place on that end from Daryl Morey’s side with the latest update from NBA analyst Jake Weinbach.

It is worth noting that Daryl Morey and his front office had signed free agent Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat for a four-year $32 million deal, according to ESPN. So they might be close to the first apron mark after signing out all their minimum contracts and other extensions. On the other hand, another contender is in search of a wing-like Dorian, who has a cap space of $12 million in their bags. That league team on the threatening lines for Daryl Morey and Co. is the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Still, the Sixers are lying ahead, as NBA analyst Jake Weinbach just reported that there’s still a strong possibility that the Sixers will pursue a trade for Nets forward Dorian Finney-Smith, chances of which are still relevant despite Caleb Martin’s signing. As per Jake’s prediction, Daryl Morey might go for a first-round pick transfer to the Nets to get hands-on Doe-Doe. But that’s not all; another alternative could be the sign-and-trade of 23-year-old small forward KJ Martin.

Finney-Smith is earning $14.9 million this season. So, along with adding the $2.1 million worth of cap space of Martin, Daryl Morey must also arrange for some attractive picks or young guns on the table.

Can Cleveland Cavaliers still pose a threat to Daryl Morey’s Doe-Doe Spree?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are missing out on a player able to play three and four on the team. And Dorian Finney-Smith exactly matches that requirement from the Cavs. Also, as per ESPN insider Zach Lowe, the Cavs “have interest” in trading Doe-Doe. Although Finney-Smith is not the ideal match for the Cavs since his beyond-the-arc shots have dropped below league average for the past two seasons. It has dropped below 2 and has not been that lethal for the league teams. It becomes more significant when his primary means(2/3) of scoring are the three-pointers.

Still, Doe-Doe is someone who can immediately fit on the starting roster for the Cavs. But that’s like putting a band-aid on their void for getting a wing. More than the Cavs, Finney-Smith will be best as a life-support for the Sixers since he will be part of the core there. However, his ability to affect the team more than a secondary player will work in Daryl Morey’s favor. Doe-Doe does not yet have that finesse in his game. But if they’re looking for long-term future prospects, they could work him out.

But then again, the Cavs might not even go for him even if they have the resources, since it will also draw them closer to the cap space. On the other hand, the championship ambitions might bring out the better of the Doe-Doe at the Sixers. Daryl Morey couldn’t get past the first round of playoffs this year due to their over-dependency on the core. But Morey has figured out that vacuum and is filling it with a secondary player. Can they claim the championship title this year? Let us know in the comments.