Sources: Spencer Dinwiddie Leaves Dallas Mavericks, Signs with Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie will sign a one-year, veteran minimum contract with the Charlotte Hornets, league sources confirmed to DallasHoopsJournal.com. The 32-year-old guard departs the Dallas Mavericks after playing a key role during the 2024–25 season, including a stretch as a starter following Kyrie Irving’s ACL injury.

Dinwiddie, entering his 12th NBA season, is expected to bring veteran experience, playmaking, and stability to a young Charlotte backcourt that features LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Nick Smith Jr., and No. 4 overall pick Kon Knueppel. Now in their second year under head coach Charles Lee, the Hornets continue building around their young core while adding experienced players to complement their development.

During the 2024–25 season, Dinwiddie appeared in 79 games, averaging 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game. His impact in Dallas was particularly felt after Irving’s injury, as he stepped into a starting role in 30 games and averaged 14.3 points and 6.2 assists. Over that stretch, he logged 33.2 minutes per game and added 1.1 steals, shooting 43.4% from the field.

Dinwiddie shot 41.6% overall and 33.4% from three on the season, knocking down 80.2% of his free throws on 3.1 attempts per game. His ability to manage the offense and take pressure off the primary creators made him a valuable addition for Dallas in a season with many injuries.

League sources told DallasHoopsJournal.com that Dinwiddie was not expected to return to the Mavericks this offseason, particularly after the team reached a deal with D’Angelo Russell. Dallas now has 15 players under contract and a crowded backcourt that includes Irving, Russell, Brandon Williams, and Jaden Hardy. Dallas also landed Ryan Nembhard on a two-way contract in undrafted free agency.

Sources tell DallasHoopsJournal.com that the Mavericks have maintained interest in re-signing Danté Exum. He dealt with multiple lengthy injury absences but is internally viewed as an impactful two-way guard instrumental in pushing the pace. Sources said Exum is believed to be a higher priority than bringing back big man Kai Jones, which would put Dallas at 16 standard contracts. However, teams can carry up to 21 players in the offseason, but would ultimately need to get down to standard contracts before the cut-down deadline ahead of the opener.

While Dallas will need to move on from two standard contract players to make room for Exum, one name to watch in potential trade discussions is Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Prosper was limited last season due to injury and is an easier trade chip to move than Jaden Hardy, who will earn $6 million in 2025-26.

Dinwiddie’s exit marks the end of his second stint in Dallas. After helping the Mavericks reach the Western Conference Finals in 2022, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets to acquire Irving in 2023. He returned in 2025 and could step into a featured role when needed. His role in Charlotte will likely include mentoring a young roster and offering a reliable secondary offensive impact.

For the Mavericks, Dinwiddie’s departure reflects their shift toward a new backcourt structure centered on Irving and Russell, with hopes that Exum and other young contributors can fill out the rotation.

More Dallas Mavericks & NBA Articles