The Brooklyn Nets have made a major move to bolster their roster ahead of the NBA trade deadline. The Nets have acquired guard Dennis Schroder and forward Thaddeus Young from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who was subsequently waived by Toronto.
Schroder and Young add depth and versatility to Nets
The Nets have been looking for reinforcements to support their star trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, who have missed a combined 41 games this season due to injuries and health protocols. Schroder and Young are both experienced veterans who can fill multiple roles and contribute on both ends of the floor.
Schroder, 30, was averaging 13.7 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 steals per game for the Raptors, while shooting 36.5% from three-point range. He is a dynamic playmaker who can create his own shot, run the pick-and-roll, and defend multiple positions. He is also in the final year of his contract, which gives the Nets some financial flexibility for the future.
Young, 33, was averaging 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game for the Raptors, while shooting 51.8% from the field. He is a versatile forward who can play both the power forward and center positions, depending on the matchup. He is also a savvy defender who can switch on screens, disrupt passing lanes, and rebound. He has one more year left on his contract, which pays him $14.2 million.
Dinwiddie leaves Nets after six seasons
Dinwiddie, 29, was a key part of the Nets’ rise from a lottery team to a championship contender. He joined the Nets in 2016 and developed into a reliable scorer and facilitator, averaging 16.8 points and 5.3 assists per game in his six seasons with the team. He was also a leader and a fan favorite, who embraced the Brooklyn culture and community.
However, Dinwiddie suffered a partially torn ACL in his right knee in the third game of this season, which sidelined him indefinitely. He also had a player option for next season, which he was expected to decline and become a free agent. With the Nets’ payroll already exceeding the luxury tax threshold, the team decided to trade him to the Raptors, who waived him shortly after.
Trade implications for both teams
The trade has significant implications for both the Nets and the Raptors, who are in different stages of their seasons. The Nets are currently the second seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 42-20 record. They are aiming to win their first NBA title, and the addition of Schroder and Young gives them more depth, versatility, and experience to compete with the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Raptors, on the other hand, are currently the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 27-35 record. They are fighting for a spot in the play-in tournament, but they are also looking ahead to the future. The trade of Schroder and Young gives them more cap space and flexibility for the upcoming offseason, where they could potentially re-sign their star forward Pascal Siakam, who is also recovering from a shoulder surgery. The trade also opens up more minutes and opportunities for their young players, such as Malachi Flynn, Gary Trent Jr., and Chris Boucher.
