It wasn’t long ago when Nets fans though Spencer Dinwiddie might be the face of the franchise. My, how things have changed. With superstars Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden in the fold, the Nets have a clear identity and no longer need Dinwiddie. Brooklyn swung a five team deal in which they received a second round draft pick from the Wizards along with an $11.5 million trade exception the team will find quite helpful down the line.
Dinwiddie’s Response to the Trade
Nets fans are well aware of the fact that Spencer Dinwiddie is a unique character. The point guard celebrated the announcement of the new chapter in his professional playing career and also his life by turning to social media. Dinwiddie shared a Harry Potter meme in which he pictured himself as a wizard. The meme was appropriate considering Dinwiddie’s new destination. Aside from Joe Harris, Dinwiddie was the lone Net still remaining after GM Sean Marks’ initial season back in ’16.
The Nets’ Trade Haul
Though receiving a second round draft pick from the Wizards might not seem like much a haul on its surface, the Nets also received another asset. The team now has the right to swap second round picks with the Wizards or Golden State next year. It is a bit of a disappointing return for Dinwiddie yet the team probably wouldn’t have the cap space or minutes for him moving forward. In the end, shipping Dinwiddie to a non-contender, in spite of the fact that they are in the Eastern conference, made sense.
Dinwiddie Cashes In
Part of the reason why Dinwiddie is celebrating the transition to a new squad is the fact that he will get more minutes in Washington. Sweetening the deal is the point guard’s contract. Dinwiddie will rake in $62 million across the next three years. The new deal pays him the most possible money after the guard opted out of the last year of his $12.3 million deal.
The Pelicans and Knicks also expressed interest in Dinwiddie. However, the Knicks ended up landing Kemba Walker so it made sense for Dinwiddie to go to the Wizards.
The Nets’ decision to move on from Dinwiddie might prove quite wise. Dinwiddie is still rehabbing from his ruptured ACL. He suffered the injury in the third game of this past season. The injury was quite the let down for a Nets team with championship hopes. The point guard averaged more than 20 points per game the year prior to his ACL rupture. Nets fans will fondly remember the half-decade Dinwiddie spent with their squad.
Team owner Joe Tsai will now shift his attention to his $121 million luxury tax bill. This tax is that much less intimidating now that Dinwiddie is off the books.
