Brooklyn Nets: 5 predictions for the 2018-19 NBA season

3. Dinwiddie gets dealt

I sound like a broken record on this topic, but I shan’t back down until the Nets either trade or extend him. Dinwiddie is a good player who had a great season in 2017-18. However, the Nets can’t keep everybody.

The Dinwiddie stans who permeate NBA discussion forums will be quick to hate on this take, because Russell hasn’t taken control of the lead guard role himself. While that’s fair, D-Loading’s upside is undeniably higher. Dinwiddie will be paid like a lead guard come next summer, and the Nets can’t be overpaying for role players if they want to attract max-level free agents.

Not to mention Dinwiddie’s crucial flaws off the ball. He shot under 40 percent from the field last season, and although a lot of his shots were forcibly contested, he’s still not much of an off-ball threat. Next to Russell and/or [insert max-level free agent], that won’t fly.

For these reasons, I strongly believe a trade is in the works. The Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic both need point guards, and the Charlotte Hornets will be on the market for one if/when Kemba Walker bolts next summer.

What the Nets get for Dinwiddie is a bit of a question mark, but draft capital seems like the most probable return package. One might argue that a late first round pick is too slim for Dinwiddie, but it’s much better than nothing, especially considering this front office’s exemplary work in the back end of the first (see: LeVert, Caris; Allen, Jarrett).

Dinwiddie is a good player, but a team can’t retain every good player they acquire. They must filter out those who don’t fit, and as of now, Dinwiddie is a square peg in the multi-positional round hole of this offense.