With unrest in the locker room, Spencer Dinwiddie trade rumors 2022 have been everywhere over the last few weeks.
Spencer Dinwiddie trade rumors 2022
The Washington Wizards’ fall from grace has been nothing short of spectacular. After leading the Eastern Conference early in the year with a 10-3 record, the Wizards now sit in 11th spot, losing 26 of their last 40 games. The team has completely lost its swag and is looking to make some noise at the deadline. One player firmly in the rumor mill is point guard Spencer Dinwiddie.
Rumors stem from locker room issues
Rumors have swirled for weeks regarding a fractured relationship between Dinwiddie and the Washington Wizards locker room. The 28-year-old was very open about his role on the team, revealing his attempts to show leadership were rejected. Dinwiddie’s nonchalant attitude and brutal honesty supports a lot of the speculation around his standing in the organization.
Chase Hughes from NBC Sports posted the interview to Twitter.
This has also spilled onto the court. Dinwiddie and franchise star Bradley Beal have failed to mesh on the floor with each player faring far better when the other is off the court.
The drop-off when they share the floor together is a serious concern and the only way forward for the team is to split the pair up. Beal is already established within the organization so Dinwiddie’s time as a Wizard may be coming to an end.
Let’s take a look at three deals that give the veteran a fresh start.
Knicks, Wizards and Lakers engage
Why the Wizards do it
For the Wizards, they are hunting for assets in hopes of luring a free agent this summer. Washington is active on the market according to Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer but this deal is a play for a couple of second-round picks. Kemba Walker and Kendrick Nunn enter the final year of their contracts next season, due just $9.3 million and $5 million respectively.
Why the Knicks do it
The Knicks have been looking for a competent guard to run an offense and Dinwiddie is more than competent. His fit next to RJ Barrett is odd given both players need the ball but the 28-year-old is a solid passer and shot creator. Kent Bazemore is a veteran wing who still plays solid basketball on both sides of the ball.
He fell out of favor quickly in Los Angeles but it wasn’t entirely his fault. Bazemore will probably see minutes under Tom Thibodeau who is a veteran-friendly coach.
Why the Lakers do it
As reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers are looking to make moves on the edges. Alec Burks is a terrific consolation prize given he can handle, self-create, and hit big shots in the playoffs. He’s shot above 38% from three in each of the last three seasons and would make a huge difference to the Lakers.
Boston acquires Dinwiddie, sends Al Horford to Washington
Why the Celtics do it
The Boston Celtics have been starving for a point guard for a while and Dinwiddie can slide straight into the role. He is a rim pressure guard who attacks the cup and can give them a different look in crunch time. The Celtics play a ton of close games and Dinwiddie is solid in the clutch. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will likely assume most of the shots but Dinwiddie can be a wild card.
Additionally, the Celtics also acquire energy big man Montrezl Harrell. Harrell is a stat stuffer off the bench and can give them a punch when the starters sit.
Why the Wizards do it
For Washington, they absorb Al Horford but receive a young prospect in Romeo Langford and a 2022 lottery first-round pick. Horford has almost $54 million remaining on his deal but is only guaranteed $42 million. He is a solid big man who may ask for a buy-out but if he were to stick around, could be valuable for the Wizard’s young bigs.
Romeo Langford has shown flashes of excellence when healthy but is very inconsistent. He appears to be a project and needs a team to be patient with him. Washington could be the destination that unlocks his play. The lottery protected first is likely to be in the 20’s but the Wizards are rewarded for taking on Horford’s contract.
Pelicans and Washington do business
Why the Wizards do it
Kira Lewis is an interesting guard who has yet to really develop at the next level. He is a high-speed, high motor point-guard who is excellent in transition and could arguably be the quickest player in the association with the ball. He has some flaws he needs to iron out but looks like a nice player if he can put it together.
Tomas Satoransky is a throw-in the deal to make the salaries work. He is a solid veteran who does a bit of everything at an average level and won’t hurt your team. Washington add two second-round picks to the collection as they look forward to making a splash.
Why the Pelicans do it
The Pelicans can now pair Dinwiddie’s playmaking with star forward Brandon Ingram. New Orleans have improved since their terrible start to the season and now sit in the 10th spot. Dinwiddie is a big guard with excellent length and would go well next to Ingram who’s playing at an All-Star level.
Isaiah Todd is an interesting prospect whose skills are yet to be realized. He entered the NBA as a stretch big and if he were to develop, could be a nice long-term piece for the Pelicans.
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