In an under-the-wire surprise, the Mavericks made a splashy move Thursday, trading Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards in exchange for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Porzingis, 26, has played in only 34 games so far this season. He is signed through 2024, provided he picks up a player option in 2023. Bertans, 29, is signed through 2025, with the final year of that deal not fully guaranteed. Dinwiddie, 28, is under contract through 2024, with only $10 million guaranteed for that last season. Let’s grade the deal for both sides.
Mavericks: C+
Hmmm. On one hand, Dinwiddie fills a need as a secondary ball-handler to either put next to Luka or anchor some bench lineups. He’s also insurance for Jalen Brunson, who is a free agent this summer and could receive a healthy offer from another team. But Dinwiddie isn’t necessarily great insurance. He’s not had a good season for the Wizards, and his poor three-point shooting is a concern. Let’s say the Mavs keep both Brunson and Dinwiddie this summer—then you’re allocating a lot of resources at point guard. If Brunson leaves and Dinwiddie stays, then the Mavs have downgraded considerably.
