Hornets Acquire Finney-Smith and Three Second-Round Picks from Rockets

The Charlotte Hornets are acquiring forward Dorian Finney-Smith and three second-round picks from the Houston Rockets, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania. The picks include selections in 2027 via Memphis, 2028 via Houston, and 2033 via Houston. The Hornets now hold 20 second-round picks over the next seven years.

Houston gains roster flexibility after signing Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Rockets also create a $13 million trade exception. Charlotte receives a player who can shoot and defend while preserving a $40.7 million trade exception created by an earlier deal.

The Hornets previously traded LaMelo Ball and Josh Green to Minnesota for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three future first-round pick swaps, and three future second-round picks. Charlotte also sent Miles Bridges, a 2029 first-round pick, and a 2027 second-round pick to Phoenix for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale, and a 2033 first-round pick.

The team agreed to a three-year, $74 million deal with Coby White last week.

Houston agreed to a two-year, $13 million deal with Marcus Smart and a one-year deal with Bogdan Bogdanovic. The Rockets also reached a five-year, $81.5 million agreement with restricted free agent Tari Eason. >"The Hornets continue to add veteran role players who can shoot and defend along with draft assets for the future." — Shams Charania, Jul 3, 2026 (ESPN)