D’Angelo Russell, Spencer Dinwiddie deny beef before Nets reunion

D’Angelo Russell reportedly unfollowed Spencer Dinwiddie on Instagram last summer shortly after it was revealed that Dinwiddie had served as an influential recruiter for free-agent superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.

Still, the former Nets teammates dismissed any suggestions of a rift between them ahead of Wednesday’s reunion in Brooklyn.

Barring a trade before the 7:30 p.m. tipoff, the on-the-block Russell will return to Barclays Center with the Warriors for the first time since he was traded to Golden State as part of the Nets’ blockbuster signings of Durant and Irving in July.

Russell, who still follows several of his other former Nets teammates on the social-media site, called Dinwiddie “my guy” Tuesday and said his former backcourt mate “should’ve been an All-Star this year.”

Dinwiddie also seemed bemused when asked about Russell’s decision to stop following his account on Instagram, saying: “I can ask him about it if you’d like. That’s the first time I’m hearing about that. Pretty sure I still follow him, so I’m solid. He’s a phenomenal player, a great teammate and last year was very special.”

Russell, the second-overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Lakers, emerged as a first-time All-Star last season under coach Kenny Atkinson with the Nets. He averaged 21.1 points and a career-best 7.1 assists over 81 games, helping the Nets to a 42-40 record and their first playoff berth since 2014-15.

The 23-year-old point guard was dealt in the sign-and-trade for Durant, however, earning a maximum contract of four years and $117 million with Golden State. Russell is averaging a career-high 23.8 points for the injury-ravaged Warriors, but he’s been the subject of renewed trade rumors ahead of Thursday’s NBA trade deadline.

“I obviously became very close with him. From my perspective, I really had a great affection for him,” Atkinson said. “I’m glad he got the wonderful contract. I’m glad he’s with [Warriors coach] Steve Kerr, who I respect greatly. I think that’s great. I’m just a big fan. … I can’t wait to see him and say hello.

“He was a big part of it here. His dedication, how he kind of turned the narrative or changed the narrative about him, and he helped us change our narrative, he was a big part of it. Like I said, I’m glad he was rewarded, let’s be honest, with the contract. Going with a great organization like Golden State and a great coach, it kind of worked out for both of us. We both felt it was a win-win situation.”

Dinwiddie acknowledged he and Russell “never were like best-best friends or anything like that,” but he believes his former teammate will be received well at Barclays Center, with the Nets expected to air a video tribute before or during the game. Russell sat out Golden State’s previous game Monday night in Washington with a quad injury, but Kerr told reporters Tuesday that he expects him in the lineup against the Nets.

“I think it will be extremely positive,” Dinwiddie said. “Obviously, with it being a trade, it’s not like he spurned us or something like that. He was instrumental in getting us to the playoffs, led our team, led our group, along with the vets. [He] obviously was an All-Star selection. What was it, 21 points a game?

“Without making those strides and making those changes and getting to the playoffs and showing the capabilities of the young group, we’re not in the position that we are right now.”