Nets Trade Rumors: Spencer Dinwiddie Targeted by Teams Despite Knee Injury

Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie hasn't played since partially tearing his ACL in the third game of the season, but he could still be moved before the March 25 trade deadline.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, "several teams" have reportedly been pursuing the 27-year-old in trade talks. 

While Dinwiddie still has a chance to return this season, acquiring him would also give his new team a leg up in free agency. Even if he turns down his $12.3 million player option for 2021-22, his most recent team would have Bird rights with the ability to sign a five-year deal.

All other teams in free agency would be limited to a four-year max.

Dinwiddie could be a hot commodity on the open market this offseason after averaging 20.6 points and 6.8 assists per game last season with the Nets.

With Kevin Durant unavailable and Kyrie Irving limited to just 20 games, Dinwiddie was the go-to option for a squad that earned the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. It was the second straight year he was a key offensive weapon for a playoff squad in Brooklyn.

The 2014 second-round draft pick improved his scoring in each of his first six seasons before being limited to just 6.7 points per game in a small sample of 2020-21.

His upside could put him among the most sought-after players in free agency, especially if he proves he is back to full strength after the injury.

Dinwiddie has not ruled out a return this season and continually posts rehab updates on his Instagram account. If he does come back, he would be a valuable depth piece for the Nets as they try to compete for an NBA title.

However, Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated previously reported Brooklyn is shopping the guard before the deadline (h/t Billy Reinhardt of Nets Daily). It likely indicates the team doesn't expect a significant contribution before the year ends.