REPORT: Dallas Mavericks Interested in Bringing Back 10-Year Veteran
Fresh off an NBA Finals appearance, the Dallas Mavericks have had an intriguing offseason. The team acquired four-time champion Klay Thompson and traded Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons for Quentin Grimes. Currently, Dallas has one roster spot remaining and might be considering a familiar face to fill it.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein (subscription required), the Mavericks “hold an interest in” reuniting with free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie. Stein also mentioned Dennis Smith Jr., who started his career in Dallas, and Talen Horton-Tucker as two names to monitor. However, Dinwiddie is “believed to be the top candidate.”
“Dallas could elect to keep the spot open in the short term, but league sources say that the Mavericks do hold an interest in re-signing Spencer Dinwiddie. I’m likewise told that Dinwiddie has maintained property in the Dallas area since he was traded to Brooklyn in the Kyrie Irving deal in February 2023 and has interest in a return.”
League sources also indicate that the Mavericks have considered signing Dennis Smith Jr. and Talen Horton-Tucker, with Dinwiddie being the preferred candidate.
Dinwiddie previously spent parts of two seasons with Dallas from 2022 to 2023, averaging 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. Last season, he split his time between the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 10.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.
Dallas Mavericks Interested in Bringing Back 10-Year Veteran
Los Angeles Lakers Were Previously Linked to Spencer Dinwiddie
At the beginning of the offseason, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that both the Lakers and Mavericks “expected to have interest in Dinwiddie” this summer.
“Now, the Lakers and Mavericks are once again expected to have interest in Dinwiddie as he enters free agency, league sources told HoopsHype.”
Additionally, Jovan Buha and Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) mentioned that the Lakers could pursue Dinwiddie. They also listed wing Gary Trent Jr. as an option for the Lakers.
“Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie are two names to watch if the Lakers clear enough space to use their taxpayer midlevel exception, according to league sources.”
Since then, Gary Trent Jr. has signed with the Milwaukee Bucks, while Dinwiddie remains a free agent. Though the offseason is still young, it will be interesting to see if either the Lakers or the Mavericks end up signing Dinwiddie.
The Last Word on Spencer Dinwiddie
A return to Dallas could be beneficial for both sides. Dinwiddie is a seasoned veteran who could contribute to any contending team. He is solid on both ends of the floor and an excellent playmaker. On the flip side, the Mavericks just made it to the NBA Finals last season. Despite their loss to the Boston Celtics, the Mavericks had an impressive playoff run. Adding someone like Dinwiddie could help the team return to the Finals as soon as next season.