After months of being a top NBA trade candidate, the Brooklyn Nets have sent Spencer Dinwiddie to the Toronto Raptors, per the latest news. In exchange, the Nets will receive Dennis Schroder and Thaddeus Young.
The Raptors are trading Dennis Schroder to the Nets for Spencer Dinwiddie, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 8, 2024
This season, Dinwiddie is averaging 12.7 points and 6 assists per game. In February 2023, the Nets re-acquired Dinwiddie, who played with the team from 2016 to 2021 from the Dallas Mavericks as part of the Kyrie Irving trade.
The 30-year-old guard is an unrestricted free agent this summer. Additionally, Dinwiddie is reportedly seeking a contract similar to the New York Knicks’ Josh Hart‘s:
Spencer Dinwiddie, 30, is finishing up a three-year, $54 million deal and set to be an unrestricted free agent next summer. While he might not get the four-year, $128 million extension he’s eligible for, the feeling in league circles is he could exceed Josh Hart’s four years and $81 million.
Though Dinwiddie has started every game he has played in for the Nets this season, it seems likely the team wants to commit to a Ben Simmons and Cam Thomas backcourt. Trading Dinwiddie allows them to do this and move Dennis Smith Jr. up the depth chart.
NBA News: Brooklyn Nets Trade Spencer Dinwiddie
Spencer Dinwiddie Player Breakdown
Dinwiddie is a very good offensive player who can hold his own defensively. As a 6’5 guard, he has good size and can play both guard positions very well. He can run an offense like a traditional point guard and can score consistently like a shooting guard. Additionally, a career 41.4 FG% and 33.2 3pt% shooter, the Colorado alum is efficient. A few months ago, Dinwiddie spoke about his game:
“Basketball is basketball. I pride myself on being one of the more complete players in the league and [being] able to do a variety of different things,” he said. “Whatever is asked of me, I try to do the best of my ability every night.”
However, Dinwiddie does not excel at anything. He offers good playmaking, good scoring, and good defense, but he is not great at anything. Fortunately, especially at this point in his career, Dinwiddie will most likely play a secondary role. For a contending team, Dinwiddie is a perfect acquisition.
Why The Team Traded Spencer Dinwiddie
It was reported earlier this year that the Nets did not expect Dinwiddie to stay long-term:
While Bridges and Claxton are expected to remain past the trade deadline, Nets starting point guard Spencer Dinwiddie is unlikely to be a long-term piece beyond this season, league sources told HoopsHype.
The 20-30 Nets are a young team. The idea of Simmons, Thomas, and Smith Jr. all in the same backcourt is enticing. However, holding on to Dinwiddie would get in the way of seeing them play to their full potential. Plus, it is always better to trade an impending free agent for assets instead of letting them walk for nothing in the offseason.
Ultimately. Dinwiddie can still play good basketball. Additionally, multiple teams reportedly sought after the California native. He is a good fit for many NBA teams, just not the Brooklyn Nets at this stage.
