The Charlotte Hornets have acquired Dorian Finney-Smith and three second round picks from the Houston Rockets. The Hornets will acquire a 2027 second round pick originating from the Memphis Grizzlies and second round picks from the Rockets in 2028 and 2033.

Finney-Smith signed a four-year, $53 million deal with the Rockets last offseason, but struggled as he returned from left ankle surgery. Finney-Smith has no guaranteed money beyond the $13.33 million for the 2026-27 season. 

Finney-Smith appeared in just 37 games, averaging 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds while shooting just 27 percent on three-pointers. During the 2024-25 season, Finney-Smith shot 41.1 percent on three-pointers.

The Rockets had a surplus on the wing amid rising payroll concerns after re-siging Tari Eason to a four-year, $81.5 million deal.