The Brooklyn Nets still have a little work to do to fill their roster this offseason. Brooklyn has three training camp slots to fill and one open two-way spot. But the Nets’ most pressing decisions are whether to offer Spencer Dinwiddie and Ben Simmons a contract extension before the start of the upcoming campaign, according to New York Post’s Brian Lewis.
“Both Dinwiddie and Ben Simmons are now extension eligible,” Lewis wrote. “And though it’s a near-given that Simmons won’t be getting extended, Dinwiddie is at least a real possibility. Will he be a probability? That likely will depend on whether the price is right.
NBA Rumors: Nets Have Upcoming Decision On Dinwiddie, Warriors Schedule Another Workout
Dinwiddie, who has a cap hit of $20.4 million, became extension-eligible last Monday. He can ink a new deal of up to $128 million over four years. The 30-year-old guard is coming off the second-best season of his career, compiling 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 6.5 assists in 79 combined appearances for Brooklyn and Dallas. He recorded a shooting slash line of .438/.369/.812 while draining a career-best 2.3 treys a game.
Meanwhile, Simmons still has two years left on his deal. The 27-year-old is due $37.8 million this year and $40.3 million in 2024-25. Besides, the three-time all-star has not played more than 57 games since 2019-20. He struggled mightily in his 42-game stint this past season, putting up carer-low numbers across the board with 6.9 points, 6.3 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.3 steals.
Should the Nets Extend Dinwiddie?
This is a loaded question for Brooklyn’s general manager Sean Marks. Dinwiddie, who has played in 300 career games for the Nets, and Nic Claxton have the most extended history with the team. While Dinwiddie is a streaky shooter, he is the lone player on the roster who is a shot-creator, and his leadership is invaluable.
However, the Nets have to be careful not to overpay for him. Claxton is an unrestricted free agent next summer. He could double his salary as he is making $9.6 million this year. Brooklyn projects to have $26 million in cap space next year with eight players under contract. Nevertheless, the most important number is $55.4 million, the amount before the Nets hit the luxury tax.
Royce O’Neale, the only other Net with a huge cap number ($18.8 million), will also be an unrestricted free agent next summer. Unfortunately, he is unlikely to be on the team. O’Neale is very inconsistent though he is an ideal “3-D” type, as he is a career 38.8% shooter from distance. The 30-year-old set career-highs with 8.8 points and 3.7 assists last year though he shot a career-worse 38.6% from the field.
So, if the Nets can sign Dinwiddie for two-to-three years worth between $20 and $22.5 million a season. Furthermore, it may behoove them to do so. However, if the Nets may be considering using him as a trade chip if things blow up this year, then they should play the wait-and-see game.
Golden State To Workout Glenn Robinson III
The Golden State Warriors have added another player to their workout schedule. Glenn Robinson III has an upcoming private workout with the Warriors, according to HoopsHype Michael Scotto.
Former NBA Slam Dunk champion Glenn Robinson III will participate in a private workout with NBA veterans for the Golden State Warriors, league sources told @hoopshype. The 29-year-old 6-foot-6 swingman is a career 37.3 percent 3-point shooter over seven seasons.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 13, 2023
Robinson has been out of basketball since being waived by the Sacramento Kings in February 2021. The 29-year-old former slam dunk champion has career averages of 5.9 points and 2.6 rebounds while posting a shooting slash line of .457/.373/.913.
Golden State has 13 players under contract for the upcoming season. However, the Warriors could use another wing,. Moses Moody and rookie Brandin Podziemski are the only players behind Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins on the depth chart. Now, if Chris Paul starts alongside Steph Curry, that would push Thompson or Wiggins to the bench. Therefore, Golden State has a little more depth.
Dion Waiters, Tony Snell. Kent Bazemore, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Harry Giles, and Trey Burke are the players who have previously been announced to have a workout with the Warriors.
