2 Nets players linked to conference rival as coveted trade targets

With the February 8 trade deadline rapidly approaching, many questions remain when it comes to what the plan for the Brooklyn Nets may be.

Though rumors and reports suggest GM Sean Marks is still looking to build a playoff-worthy squad around the likes of budding star Mikal Bridges, at 17-26 there's a strong case to be made that the franchise should just consider packing up their efforts to compete in 2023-24 and start prepping for next season and beyond.

Regardless of what their intentions may be, ahead of next month's cut-off there are bound to be a number of opposing ball clubs found dialing up the Nets in hopes of prying away one of if not several of their many talented assets and, according to William Guillory of The Athletic, the Miami Heat are a squad that could come calling for the likes of both Dorian Finney-Smith or Royce O'Neale.

Heat could target Nets wings Dorian Finney-Smith, Royce O'Neale

"Along with everyone else in playoff contention, I’m sure they’ll be putting in phone calls to Brooklyn for guys like Dorian Finney-Smith and Royce O’Neale."

William Guillory

Both are rumored to have drawn significant attention from contending teams looking for depth and improved play out on the wing, though Brooklyn's asking price for the two is reported to be quite lofty, especially when it comes to Finney-Smith who holds a current value of two first-round picks, per Hoops Hype's Michael Scotto.

Through 42 games played, O'Neale finds himself boasting solid per-game averages of 7.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists on 35.6 percent shooting from distance.

Finney-Smith, meanwhile, is posting 8.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 37.8 percent from deep through 40 contests.

Each one of these ballers could mesh extremely well with the Heat as well as virtually any other title-hopeful team looking to bolster their 3-and-D productivity at the three spot. The only question is, do the Nets want to keep their talents for themselves and make a second-half run of their own?

Based on their decision-making over the next few weeks, Brooklyn's rest-of-season vision is likely to become a lot more clear.