Toronto Raptors: Ridiculous Spencer Dinwiddie valuation could end interest

The Toronto Raptors have built a champion on the back of some economical, high-ceiling free agency signings in the past, and they could pull off plenty more this offseason. Could Brooklyn Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie be the next player that gets back on the right track under Nick Nurse’s tutelage?

Dinwiddie averaged over 18 points per game over the last two seasons, as he has evolved from a G League player into a mind-bending 6-6 point guard with the finishing ability and passing skill to become an elite sixth man on a championship team and quality third scorer on a good team.

However, Dinwiddie has played in just three games since last March, as his torn ACL completely ruined his 2020-21 season. Naturally, his free-agent value will take a massive dip, right? According to Dinwiddie, he thinks that he should be in line for a contract that pays him what some of the best in the game earn.

In a podcast appearance with Howard Beck, Dinwiddie thinks that he would return to the Nets…provided that they pay him a contract around five years and $125 million. That’s money that players like Jaylen Brown and Bradley Beal are earning, and they are much better players than Dinwiddie.

The Toronto Raptors shouldn’t give Spencer Dinwiddie a long-term contract.

Dinwiddie is a much-improved offensive player, and his defense can impress given his gangly frame and ability to switch onto several different positions, but he is just a 41% shooter for his career, and that inefficiency combined with a major injury should

The Raptors will likely replace Kyle Lowry with a young guard at No. 4, meaning that Fred VanVleet and either Jalen Suggs or Jalen Green will start with Gary Trent Jr. and Malachi Flynn coming off of the bench. In an already crowded backcourt, Dinwiddie could’ve seen time on a one-year “prove-it” deal. Asking for this much money makes no sense.

While the Raptors could be a fit for Dinwiddie in theory, and they have been linked to Dennis Schroder in the past, both guards have unrealistic expectations about what they could receive on the open market. Teams will be reluctant to give Dinwiddie a multi-year deal post-injury for any amount of money, let alone $25 million per year.

Dinwiddie might be viewed as damaged goods, as someone coming off of such a serious injury wanting money that is far above what market value says he is worth is a foolish proposition. Dinwiddie could be a solid low-risk signing for Toronto, but at that astronomical figure, they should let him go elsewhere.