Overview
- The Rockets sent Dorian Finney-Smith plus the Memphis 2027 and Houston 2028 and 2033 second-round picks to the Charlotte Hornets in a deal reported on Friday, July 3.
- By moving Finney-Smith’s fully guaranteed 2026–27 salary, Houston lowered its payroll enough to get under the league’s first apron and likely below the luxury-tax line.
- The Rockets also generated an approximately $13.3 million trade exception and regained access to the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, giving them room to sign or extend players under different exception rules.
- Finney-Smith signed a four-year, roughly $53 million deal in summer 2025 but struggled after offseason ankle surgery, and only the 2026–27 season is fully guaranteed while he is owed a small trade bonus.
- Charlotte plans to absorb the guaranteed season using its cap space and the non-taxpayer MLE, adding a near-term veteran and boosting a stockpile of roughly 20 second-round picks while the Hornets sort roster spots or consider flipping or waiving him.