To complete their roster, the Dallas Mavericks needed one more player to occupy the fifteenth place. The Mavs signed guard Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year contract to complete their roster.
Dinwiddie is back in Dallas thanks to the deal. The Mavs’ run to the 2022 Western Conference Finals was greatly aided by Dinwiddie. In 2023, Dinwiddie was then dealt to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the Kyrie Irving trade. However, Mavs supporters are aware of Dinwiddie’s skill set and ought to be happy about his return to D.C.
However, some players on the squad are under pressure to return Dinwiddie.
Four Mavericks who signed Dinwiddie and became trade bait right away
With Dinwiddie back, several players on the team might get less playing time. When the trade deadline arrives, a few players might already be out of Dallas.
The Mavs have a very deep roster, and while adding Dinwiddie helps a number of guys, they may have to deal some of that depth if others aren’t playing up to par.
These four Dallas Mavericks players were signed by Spencer Dinwiddie and became trade bait right away.
4. Maxi Kleber
Spencer Dinwiddie plays guard, and Maxi Kleber is a power forward. However, Dinwiddie would utilize Kleber as trade bait when he returned to Dallas.
Kleber was a crucial player and straddling the trade bait line before the Mavs added Dinwiddie. Dinwiddie joining the team has increased the pressure on Kleber to perform well.
In the last two seasons, Kleber has experienced two seasons of injuries. When he returned from a right shoulder injury in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, he lacked confidence when shooting the ball. For the most part of his career, Dinwiddie has been healthy and has no problem shooting the ball.
Kleber’s contract is also transferable because he has two years left at a rate of $11 million annually. The Mavs might deal Kleber to further improve their frontcourt because their backcourt is stacked with quality.
The Mavericks’ Kleber would be among the first players to be traded for Dinwiddie now that he is back in Dallas. The 32-year-old forward is under more pressure than ever because he seems to be hurt all the time and his play has gotten worse over time.
Given their differing roles, Dinwiddie won’t likely deprive Kleber of too many minutes, but if Dinwiddie finds himself higher on the depth chart than Kleber, he may be forced to prove that he is worthy of additional playing time.