It’s become apparent things are not working out between Spencer Dinwiddie and the Washington Wizards. In the offseason, there was optimism he could be a real answer at point guard next to Bradley Beal, but now, the team is looking to move him at the NBA trade deadline.
One of the complications for both Dinwiddie and the Wizards in potential trade scenarios is the underwhelming results he has achieved this season. He’s averaging just 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists while shooting 37.8% from the floor and 31.4% from beyond the arc.
With the lack of cohesion Dinwiddie has experienced alongside Bradley Beal, teams with legitimate superstars that need the ball in their hands should have pause about the potential fit he would share with their own franchise-cornerstone. There’s a reason why Dinwiddie was most successful when the Brooklyn Nets’ superstars were sidelined—he needs the basketball in his hands.
At this point, Dinwiddie is evidently not effective enough to warrant giving the ball that often to operate running ball screens, getting DHOs, or attacking in isolation situations. To be fair, he is coming off a torn ACL and may still be finding his rhythm this season. However, he’s never been much for an efficient threat.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Future For Wizards, Beal Hangs In Balance At Trade Deadline
When identifying potential logical suitors for Spencer Dinwiddie at the NBA trade deadline, HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan highlighted options like the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks that ‘jump out’ as options.
I think there are a handful of teams that can make sense for Dinwiddie. I could see Boston, Dallas, the Clippers, New Orleans, Cleveland, and New York are just a few that jump out to me. I’m higher on Dinwiddie than most, and I think there’s a good chance he will be better than this over time. He’s still barely removed from his ACL injury, so if he can be acquired at a reasonable price, other teams should jump on that.
The Washington Wizards will need to go back to the drawing board when it comes to finding the answer as Bradley Beal’s backcourt partner—unless they do the unlikely option of blowing it up. Meanwhile, a team that has confidence in Dinwiddie can capitalize on his weakened trade value.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Future For Wizards, Beal Hangs In Balance At Trade Deadline
In the meantime, if a team is desperate for some guard play and have salaries to match the $17.1 million salary that Dinwiddie is earning this season, they could perhaps make a move. He did sign a three-year, $54 million deal, so acquiring him would require a commitment.
One element of Spencer Dinwiddie’s contract that does make slightly more appealing is that only $10 million of his $18.5 million on the final-year of the deal is guaranteed. That’s still a lot of money to leave as dead cap spending, so it’s not quite as appealing as say Eric Bledsoe’s deal.
