WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 02: Dorian Finney-Smith #2 of the Houston Rockets goes to the basket against Julian Reese #15 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 2, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Report: Hornets get Finney-Smith, trio of 2nd-round picks from Rockets

Scott Taetsch / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Houston Rockets are trading forward Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

Charlotte is receiving the Memphis Grizzlies' 2027 second-rounder as well as the Rockets' 2028 and 2033 second-round selections, according to Bobby Marks of ESPN.

The Hornets now have 20 second-rounders over the next seven years, while the Rockets created a $13-million trade exception with the deal, adds Charania.

Charlotte is using part of its $15-million non-taxpayer mid-level exception to acquire Finney-Smith, adds Marks.

Finney-Smith's departure allows Houston to accommodate the reported free-agent signings of Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic.

The Rockets poached Finney-Smith from the Los Angeles Lakers last summer, inking him to a four-year, $53-million contract. However, he struggled to stay healthy and was largely ineffective during his brief tenure in Houston, averaging career lows in points (3.3) and 3-point percentage (27%) across 37 appearances.

Only the upcoming season of Finney-Smith's contract is guaranteed, according to Marks.

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