The Brooklyn Nets might not have a ton of draft capital to give away, but that hasn’t barred them from making a deal at the trade deadline, as they could move Spencer Dinwiddie’s contract. One player the Nets have been heavily linked with of late is Houston Rockets veteran PJ Tucker.
While Tucker has proven to be a solid defender and competent shooter, the Rockets have reportedly asked for a young player in any trade involving Tucker. While the Nets could offer Dinwiddie, who could be in line for a big contract this offseason, Sean Marks wasn’t crazy about the idea.
The Nets have seemingly ended their interest in Tucker, as Dinwiddie, who played in just three games before tearing his ACL, was deemed too expensive a price to pay for a player of Tucker’s caliber.
The Nets choosing to lose interest in Tucker might be due to the fact that they don’t think he’s worth the money, but the fact that this deal never came to fruition could also go to show that the Nets value what Dinwiddie brings to the table. Could a return in 2021 or a potential re-signing in the offseason be in the works?
Shams reports that the Nets are no longer interested in trading for PJ Tucker because it would have required moving Dinwiddie.
— Alec Sturm (@Alec_Sturm) March 15, 2021
This could be an indication that Dinwiddie is returning this year, or has committed to re-signing in the offseason, or the Nets just don’t want Tucker.
Would Spencer Dinwiddie still be a fit with the Brooklyn Nets?
Dinwiddie proved that his offensive production was going to take a massive decline alongside Brooklyn’s trio of superstars. After improving his scoring in each of his first four seasons in Brooklyn, he managed just 6.7 points per game alongside Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving early this season.
Still, Dinwiddie could be an ideal sixth man for this team. Not only does he have the finishing ability and 3-point stroke to take over on offense when called upon, but his nearly 6-6 frame and lanky arms make him capable of guarding multiple positions on the defensive end.
Dinwiddie’s injury might be serious, but the Nets have stopped short of ruling him out for the season. With ACL recovery times getting shorter with each passing year thanks to medical advancements, Dinwiddie might be able to come back if the Nets are able to make a deep playoff run.
Dinwiddie might not be able to cash in on a long-term deal after his injury, but that doesn’t mean coming back to Brooklyn on a one-year “prove it” deal is the worst idea in the world. Doing so would give Dinwiddie a chance to rehabilitate his stock in the league while making the Nets even more lethal on offense.