The Charlotte Hornets have officially waived veteran point guard Spencer Dinwiddie, just three months after signing him to a guaranteed contract. The announcement was made through a press release from the team. Dinwiddie originally signed with the Hornets during free agency, agreeing to a one-year, minimum-salary deal finalized on July 13. Despite being waived, Dinwiddie will still receive his full salary of $3,634,153, while the Hornets will incur $2,296,274 in dead money on their salary cap, assuming he is not claimed off waivers.
Dinwiddie, an 11-year NBA veteran, had a more prominent role with the Dallas Mavericks last season, especially following the trade of Luka Doncic and injuries to other guards like Kyrie Irving and Dante Exum. He played 79 games, starting 30, and averaged 11.0 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game—numbers consistent with his career averages.
The decision to bring Dinwiddie on board initially raised eyebrows, especially since the Hornets had previously traded for Collin Sexton and re-signed Tre Mann, indicating a focus on strengthening point guard depth after both players faced injury setbacks last season. With both Ball and Mann returning to health, Dinwiddie found himself as the odd man out, having contributed modest numbers—six points and six assists in 30 preseason minutes—while the Hornets struggled during that span.
Following Dinwiddie’s departure, the Hornets maintain 14 players with guaranteed contracts, along with center Moussa Diabate, who is on a non-guaranteed deal. Speculation had surrounded the potential release of Pat Connaughton as a roster casualty, yet it appears that he is now positioned to secure a spot on the team’s roster for the upcoming regular season.
The Hornets’ decision to streamline their roster reflects their commitment to developing a cohesive and competitive team, demonstrating a forward-looking approach in a season filled with optimism and opportunity.