Here's Why Saturday's Game Was Worth $10 Million For Spencer Dinwiddie

It was another loss for the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, but for guard Spencer Dinwiddie, it was a huge 'W'. At least for his pocketbook. 

By playing in his 50th game of the season, Dinwiddie secured not only a $1.5M bonus for this season, but also fully guaranteed his contract for next year, at $18.86M. It was previously only partially guaranteed at $10M. Add up that difference plus the $1.5 mill, and you get a $10 million dollar bonus for Dinwiddie, just for playing in the game.

But he certainly didn't just go through the motions, by any means. 

Spencer Dinwiddie, what the hell !? pic.twitter.com/0kfeia08Ha

— Jo (@MavsStan41) January 29, 2023

The 9th-year guard, basically filling in for Luka Doncic, out with a sprained ankle, led the team with 35 points and eight assists, though it wasn't enough as the Luka-less Mavs fell to the Utah Jazz 108-100. He also hit on 6-of-11 of his threes.  

Dinwiddie, 29, has been averaging 17.6 points and 5.4 assists per game, while shooting 41.2% from downtown. He's been more than solid as Doncic's main sidekick—and for now, playing a lead role.

The reason for the playing-time conditions and protections in Dinwiddie's contract came out of the deal that was signed with the Washington Wizards in 2021 when he was coming off ACL surgery. 

Safe to say he's definitely all the way back. 

Photo: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports