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What should the Brooklyn Nets do with Spencer Dinwiddie?

ByZachary Rotman|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball on offense against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Spencer Dinwiddie #26 of the Brooklyn Nets handles the ball on offense against the Chicago Bulls in the first half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)

Something that is not talked about a lot when discussing Brooklyn Nets basketball is the current situation with Spencer Dinwiddie. In the third game of the season, Dinwiddie suffered a partially torn ACL in his right knee. He was supposedly out for the season, but has since posted some videos suggesting he’s ahead in his rehabilitation process.

Since Dinwiddie suffered a major injury, the Nets received a $5.7 million Disabled Player Exception. The Nets can sign or trade for someone who is on a one-year contract worth up to $5.7 million.

But it’s not that simple. Dinwiddie has a player option after this season worth $12.3 million, so if he were to decline it, which is the most likely outcome, he would become a free agent. Preferably, the Nets either extend him or find a way to trade him just to get some sort of value back.

While he’s out for what’s likely the rest of the season, some teams might be interested in a deal because they can acquire his bird rights, meaning they can go over the cap to sign him.

If the Nets were to decide to trade him, there are many more options for them to acquire because Dinwiddie is making $11 million this season. They can use him to maybe get George Hill, or even use him along with DeAndre Jordan and another cap filler from a third team to get Andre Drummond as Cleveland looks to move him.

What should the Nets do with Spencer Dinwiddie?

My preference would be to try to retain and extend Dinwiddie. Since the Nets acquired James Harden, all three of the Nets stars have missed at least one game. Having Dinwiddie might not prove super valuable when all three stars are healthy, but he’d certainly be good to have as a scary depth options.

Another reason for this is the Nets just won’t be able to get someone better than Dinwiddie with their cap situated the way it is. The Nets can only afford to sign guys for the league minimum or using their Mid-Level Exception, which is worth up to $5.7 million. This can net them someone like JaVale McGee, who can be a helpful piece, but is nowhere near as impactful as Dinwiddie.

Dinwiddie was an All-Star without KD, Harden and Kyrie. Just imagine how he could contribute with them on the roster. He can run the second unit on nights that the Nets only have one or two stars playing and can play off-ball when all three are in the lineup. He would still be an important ball-handler who can provide a scoring punch. He’s also a valuable perimeter defender.

If the Nets and Dinwiddie are unable to come to terms on a contract extension, or if Dinwiddie says there’s no chance he will exercise his player option, then Nets fans should support trading him for someone who can help the team this season. While there’s a chance he can come back, the front office shouldn’t risk losing him for absolutely nothing.

This is no doubt a conundrum, but the Nets are capable of finding the right answer.

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