The Wizards’ Spencer Dinwiddie acquisition doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy despite going several days without being completed.
According to multiple reports, the sign-and-trade will likely be folded into the Russell Westbrook trade, allowing for greater flexibility.
Brooklyn had wanted assets to take either Kyle Kuzma or Montrezl Harrell back with rumors circulating that the franchise would bypass that request if they could send DeAndre Jordan away. Those overtures have been rebuffed by Washington’s front office and it’s possible another team could get involved to take on one of the former Lakers or Jordan.
As of now, it appears it will be a four-team deal with the Lakers, Wizards, Pacers (via the Aaron Holiday/ No. 22 overall pick trade), and Nets involved. Other teams could enter the mix as mentioned but it’s also worth noting that the Lakers continue to look for a Dennis Schroder sign-and-trade deal that would bring them another contributor. Much is still unsettled on this deal, which can’t be completed until August 6.
As for Dinwiddie, it’s looking like his contract will come in at $60-62 million over three seasons with Kristian Winfield of the New York Daily News reporting the upper figure.
Prior to free agency officially beginning, the Dinwiddie sweepstakes was reportedly down to three teams with the Knicks and Pelicans seen as the only teams ahead of the Wizards. New York has since brought back Derrick Rose and added Kemba Walker while New Orleans has traded for Devonte’ Graham via a sign-and-trade deal.
Deni Avdija Drawing Trade Interest
Teams have been asking about Deni Avdija, including the Nets, a source confirms to FortyEightMinutes. Quinton Mayo was first to report that Brooklyn had requested Avdija as part of the Dinwiddie negotiations. However, it appears that the Wizards are batting away requests for the 20-year-old at this time.
Avdija, who was the No. 9 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, shown promising signs during his rookie campaign before suffering a broken leg late in the season.
“There’s always an opportunity to make a trade if you have enough good young players. I’ve gotten enough inquiries on guys on our roster that makes me feel like ‘hey, we have good players on this roster,’” Tommy Sheppard told FortyEightMinutes and other media during the GM’s pre-draft press conference.
