Charlotte’s choice to part ways with Spencer Dinwiddie raised some eyebrows around the league, especially considering the veteran guard had signed a guaranteed minimum-salary deal during the offseason.
According to Marc Stein of The Stein Line, several league observers were caught off guard by the Hornets’ move, which came just weeks before the start of the new season.
While some expected Pat Connaughton to be the one waived instead, Charlotte ultimately chose to keep the experienced wing.
Stein reports that the decision was influenced by multiple factors, including Connaughton’s strong presence in the locker room and his reputation as a respected teammate with championship experience.
“He’s well-liked by everyone in the room, and his background as a winner carries weight with this group,” a team source reportedly noted.
Another consideration for the Hornets was Connaughton’s contract situation. His $9.4 million expiring deal could serve as a useful trade asset ahead of the February deadline, offering Charlotte some financial flexibility and potential leverage in future roster moves.
As Stein explained, the front office remains “cautiously optimistic” about finding a trade partner that could turn Connaughton’s contract into long-term value.
In contrast, Dinwiddie’s brief tenure in Charlotte ends before he could make an on-court impact, leaving the veteran guard once again searching for a new opportunity elsewhere in the league.
Stein’s Latest: Connaughton, Knicks, Mazzulla, Curry, Mavs https://t.co/D1mfXeQOQv pic.twitter.com/y3KaeoCAS9
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 21, 2025
