Hornets waive Spencer Dinwiddie ahead of opening night roster trim

The Charlotte Hornets waived veteran guard Spencer Dinwiddie on Thursday, less than four months after signing him to a one-year contract, the team announced as it trimmed the roster ahead of the regular-season deadline. The move reduces guaranteed salary commitments and moves the Hornets closer to the league's roster limits with opening night less than a week away.

Dinwiddie signed a one-year deal in July worth the veterans minimum of $3.6 million but appeared in just two preseason games, totaling 30 minutes, six points and six assists. Coaches and front-office decision makers cited a crowded backcourt and the need for roster flexibility as factors in the decision. His release left Charlotte with 19 players under contract and the team must make further transactions to reach the league-mandated roster size for opening night.

The Hornets enter the season with a guard-heavy rotation that includes All-Star LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, Josh Green, Pat Connaughton and recent first-round draft pick Kon Knueppel. Young players are expected to take on larger roles as Charlotte leans toward development and tempo-oriented play under coach Charles Lee. Team officials said trimming...