Spencer Dinwiddie responds to rumors about a potential contract buyout

Spencer has been candid about what is happening with his situation in Brooklyn.

© John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Dinwiddie is having a down year for the Brooklyn Nets with averages of 12.6 points per game on 39.1% from the field and 32% from three. Due to his underperformance, multiple reports have come out regarding Spencer’s status with the team, to the point that there might be a contract buyout.

Nets Daily reported that Brooklyn could buy out the veteran’s expiring contract worth $20 million. A move like that would be huge because the Nets would open a roster spot and provide Spencer the freedom to sign with any team for the rest of the season.

If the Nets cannot move Spencer Dinwiddie -- and there is a limited market, we are told he may be bought out. Dinwiddie is making $20 million this year on an expiring, and buyouts usually yield player about 2/3 to 3/4 of their salary.

— NetsDaily (@NetsDaily) February 7, 2024

“Lol I understand y’all mad at me right now. But this ain’t true,” Dinwiddie replied in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). “While we’re here let me clarify one other false narrative this season. Every night, I take on the challenge of guarding Markannen, Banchero, KD, Luka etc. Even Jalen Duren/Stewart in Detroit as a primary defender. Never been a quitter. We all want to win in this locker room.”

Spencer will likely get traded

Despite the reports of a potential payout, the most likely outcome for Spencer and Nets is still a trade. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Dinwiddie is the “most available” player on the Nets roster.

There are plenty of potential moves, but the popular idea is a three-team deal between the Nets, Lakers, and the Hawks. This deal would send Dinwiddie to Atlanta, Dejounte Murray to Los Angeles, and D’Angelo Russell reuniting with the Brooklyn organization.

The deal would benefit all three teams because Brooklyn gets a reliable ball-handler, LA gets a third star, and Atlanta gets an expiring contract and draft picks for Murray. However, talks have stalled between all teams, which has led to the possibility of a buyout.

Spencer can still be productive

Dinwiddie is a proven contributor across multiple teams, even if he’s struggling this season. This has been a down year for him, but there is potential for him to shine in a different role.

Playing more of an off-ball role for the Nets or another team would do wonders for him because being the primary playmaker for Brooklyn has led to his struggles. He is the optimal off-ball star, as he did alongside Luka Doncic in Dallas or during his first Brooklyn stint alongside Russell.

"Thank Mayor Adams for that, bro"- Kyrie Irving answers a courtside fan