LOS ANGELES — Spencer Dinwiddie broke out of his slump with this trip to the West Coast.
It's pure coincidence that the Los Angeles native is reportedly being traded to his hometown Lakers.
The newspaper reported that each team had contacted the Nets regarding the availability of a point guard.
Matt Moore, currently of Hardwood Paroxysm wrote that Dinwiddie is “known” to be on the Lakers' radar..
He also said the Nets are “one of the teams interested” in Toronto wing Gary Trent Jr.
Dinwiddie had 16 points and seven assists in Sunday's blowout loss to the Clippers.
He's averaging 18 points and 6 assists in the last three games, but in the previous three games he was just 3.3 points and 3 assists on an abysmal 3-of-15 shooting and 2 from deep.
Part of that resurgence is Dinwiddie returning to playing downhill and attacking in the paint.
“Oh, I think for me it’s always been performance-based and the ability to do that consistently,” coach Jacques Vaughn said. “Do I want him to keep doing it every night? Yes. Is he encouraged to do it every night? Yes. Does he have the ability to do it? Yes.
“So he has the choice and the opportunity to do that again. Do we want to see him turn corners and go downhill and put pressure on the rim every night, every possession? From a coaching standpoint. I would say, yes, it makes us a better team.”
With his $18.9 million contract expiring, Dinwiddie is believed to be open to signing an extension.
He has been reported as a potential piece in the Nets' trade for Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks All-Star will earn $17 million this year and, starting next season, $114 million over four years.
Ben Simmons was on the road with the Nets.
Even if he didn't play, Vaughn felt it was valuable just to be around the team.
“I think I was just able to be on set and be a part of the movie.” [review Saturday]. All of those things are important as he starts to transition back on the floor, so that gap isn't that big for him,” Vaughn said.
“Whether he was playing differently than the last time he was there, whether he had a different plan, if you weren't around, when he comes back, it could be tough. So, Overall, it’s best for us to be around groups and be able to absorb terminology and knowledge.”
Vaughn declined to say what the next hurdle will be for Simmons.
“I'm not going to tell you step by step. He's going to take the next step, but that's when we get home, after this five-hour long flight, get tested again and have another week to go.” We'll see how he reacts to his basketball.”
The Nets will get an update on Dayron Sharpe (knee) upon his return.
They play the Knicks on Tuesday, and perhaps Sharpe's status will become clearer by then.
“Yes, if possible,” said Mr. Vaughn. “I miss Dayron. I said that to our group the other day. I miss hearing his voice on the bus, I miss hearing his voice in the locker room. I’m looking forward to meeting the big guy when I get home.”
