Spencer Dinwiddie joins Charlotte, Dante Exum stays in Dallas

Spencer Dinwiddie has officially signed a one-year contract with the Charlotte Hornets, leaving Dallas after a difficult season. The veteran guard joins a rebuilding franchise, where he will bring his experience to young talents like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Free agent guard Spencer Dinwiddie has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, sources tell ESPN. Dinwiddie averaged 14.3 points and 6.2 assists as a starter for the Mavs a season ago and provides a reliable scorer, passer and leader for a young Hornets backcourt. pic.twitter.com/piYDtPQOxt

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025

A concerning logjam in the Hornets’ backcourt

Dinwiddie’s arrival raises questions about the Hornets’ roster management. With LaMelo Ball as starting point guard, Tre Mann’s extension, Collin Sexton’s acquisition via trade with the Jazz, and Nick Smith Jr.’s presence, Charlotte now has five point guards on their roster.

The situation becomes even more complex at the shooting guard position. The Hornets drafted Kon Knueppel and Sion James, while acquiring Pat Connaughton in a trade with Milwaukee. Added to Josh Green, Josh Okogie and DaQuan Jeffries, this potentially brings the number of backcourt players to ten.

This logjam contrasts with the weakness in the frontcourt, where only Mason Plumlee, Moussa Diabaté and rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner form the interior rotation. Moves are expected in the coming weeks to rebalance the roster.

Dante Exum loyal to Mavericks despite injuries

Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have secured Dante Exum’s re-signing for a one-year contract. This decision comes as Kyrie Irving will be out for several months and D’Angelo Russell has been recruited to fill in.

Free agent guard Dante Exum has agreed to a one-year deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell ESPN. Exum considered two other contenders but returns to Dallas to share ball-handling duties to start the season with D’Angelo Russell. pic.twitter.com/3GZBxTgb8c

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 2, 2025

Exum, who has been with Dallas for two seasons, has shown his value when healthy. Last season, he averaged 8.7 points, 2.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game. During the 2023-2024 campaign, he was a valuable contributor, even participating in late-game rotations during crucial matches.

Unfortunately, his 2024-2025 season only lasted 20 games due to recurring physical issues. Despite these health problems, Dallas is betting on his basketball IQ, defensive discipline, and offensive vision to enhance their rotation.