Brooklyn Nets, Memphis Grizzlies reportedly talking trade

Multiple league sources tell NetsDaily that the Brooklyn Nets and Memphis Grizzlies are talking about a possible trade that would send Dorian Finney-Smith to Memphis for wing John Konchar, shooting guard Luke Kennard and a protected first rounder, possibly in 2026.

It’s uncertain how far along the talks are and the level of protections remain a big issue, said sources. Konchar has three years — including this one — and $18.5 million left on his deal while Kennard’s contract is an expiring at $9.3 million. DFS is currently playing on a $14.9 million contract and has a $15.4 million player option next season which he is expected to decline, making him a likely free agent. Both Konchar and Kennard are 28, Finney-Smith is 31.

Said one source: “They are arguing over protections, but it gets done.”

A second confirmed he had heard the same but without some of specifics. He too suggested that protections on the first rounder are indeed an issue, saying the protections proposed by Memphis would make the pick “unlikely to convey.”

In addition, because Kennard is on a one-year deal, he must approve any trade.

Moving DFS would come less than a month after the Nets traded Dennis Schroder and a protected Heat second rounder in this year’s draft to the Warriors for two point guards, DeAndre Melton who’s out for the season and two-way point Reece Beekman, as well as three unprotected seconds — two from the Hawks in 2026 and a Warriors pick in 2029,

The Nets currently have multiple first rounders in every draft through 2029 except 2026, which like this year’s crop is viewed as top-flight. Overall, Brooklyn has 15 first rounders and 13 second rounders through 2031.

Marc Stein who two days ago suggested that the Nets and Grizzlies could be trade partners confirmed the ND report, adding that Brooklyn would also provide Memphis “second round draft compensation”…

Earlier Saturday, Jake Weinbach tweeted out Memphis’ rationale for the rumored trade…

Konchar, who’s played his entire seven-year career with Memphis, has been troubled by a quadriceps injury and has played only 17 games, averaging 2.8 points, an equal number of rebounds and 1.1 assists. A solid defender, Konchar has career averages of 4.4 points, 4.0 rebounds and shooting splits of 47/36/72.

Kennard, like Konchar 6’5” and like Konchar injured for most the season, has played only six games because of a strained muscle in his foot. When healthy, he is one of the game’s top 3-point shooters, ranking third all-time at 43.9%, behind only Steve Kerr and Hubie Green. For his career, he’s averaged just under 10 points a game, coming off the bench in 305 of his 410 games. Ironically, Memphis traded Ziaire Williams and the Mavs second rounder in 2030 to the Nets in July to free up money to sign Kennard. Both Konchar and Kennard could be traded again this season but only the simplest of transactions, either for another player or a draft pick. Anything more complicated would be prohibited since teams must wait 60 days to include traded players in larger deals and the trade deadline is only 39 days away. Kennard would also retain his veto rights on any subsequent trade.

The big prize would be another first rounder, assuming the reported protection issue can be settled. As Yossi Gozlan of CapSheets.com noted after the NetsDaily report, the Grizz 2026 pick could become valuable under certain circumstances.

DFS would provide immediate relief for the injury-riddled Grizzlies…

Although troubled by injuries himself this season, missing 11 games, DFS is shooting a career best from beyond the arc at 43.5% while averaging a near career high 10.3 points.

If the trade was carried out as reported, Brooklyn would have to cut a player. Melton, as noted, is out for the season.

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In other Nets news, both Cams — Thomas and Johnson — are listed as probable for Sunday’s game vs. the Magic.

Cam Thomas has missed Brooklyn’s last 13 contests due to a left hamstring strain. When Thomas went down, the Nets had the league’s eighth best offense. Since then, they’re ranked 29th. Johnson missed Friday’s game vs. the Spurs with a right hip contusion.