Some NBA teams have a clear path forward. The plan is obvious. All they can do now is try to execute it. Realistically, we’re talking about two types of teams.
On the one hand, we’re talking about obvious title contenders. They should trade their remaining assets for win-now pieces. On the opposite end of the spectrum, rebuilding teams need to accumulate assets where they can.
Some teams land in between those two extremes. For example, the Los Angeles Clippers could justify a number of decisions this summer. So could the Brooklyn Nets. Could they work out a deal together that sends Spencer Dinwiddie to the Clippers?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets Receive: F/C Marcus Morris Sr., G Jason Preston, 2024 Second-Round PIck (TOR via LAC), 2029 Second-Round Pick (LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Spencer Dinwiddie
Of course, plans change. Even the clearest path could end up having a fork in it. Just look at the Nets. It wasn’t long ago that this team has an obvious plan. With Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving on their roster, the Nets were contenders.
First-round picks were merely a means to acquire more players. Young players wouldn’t make the rotation – if they even made the roster. Plans changed. In fact, they changed quickly.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
Now, Durant, Harden and Irving are all elsewhere. The Nets have a lot of draft capital, and they’ve even got a solid roster. Still, they don’t look like title contenders. Should they flip Dinwiddie for more assets?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
Frankly, it depends on your perspective. This deal doesn’t make the Nets better in 2023-24. Some will suggest that, by that logic, they shouldn’t do it. After all, they owe their 2024 first-round pick to the Houston Rockets.
Sure. On the other hand,, the Nets can’t base everything transaction they make on that fact. If they did, they risk committing to mediocrity. This roster is not built to compete for the NBA title. As a result, the Nets could justify any move that improves their asset base.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
This is a modest improvement. Still, a pair of second-rounders can be filler in a trade down the line. Meanwhile, Morris Sr. can function as the floor spacing 5 this team doesn’t currently have. Should the Clippers give him up?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
By contrast, the Clippers are built to contend – provided that they can stay healthy, of course. Unfortunately, that’s been a huge caveat for this team. Kawhi Leonard is highly injury-prone, and Paul George has his own concerns with durability.
Will the Clippers blow up their roster? Perhaps. If so, this deal won’t appeal to them. On the other hand, if the Clippers want to gamble on the combined health of Leonard and George again, they should upgrade their roster. Specifically, they could use some depth at point guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Spencer Dinwiddie, Brooklyn Nets & Los Angeles Clippers Updates
So, that’s what they’re getting here. Dinwiddie is a well-rounded offensive player. He can create shots for himself and others, and provide a little floor spacing as well. The Clippers could be a better team for this deal -if getting better is part of the plan, that is.
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