The Dallas Mavericks are actively pursuing a trade for Tim Hardaway Jr., as reported by NBA insider Marc Stein. With Hardaway entering the final year of his contract and his salary decreasing from $17.9 million to $16.2 million, the Mavericks are keen to find a suitable trade partner. Hardaway, who joined the Mavericks from the New York Knicks in 2019 and received a contract extension in 2021, has faced inconsistency, particularly missing significant playoff time due to injury in 2022 and playing limited games in 2024.
Recent reports from Stein indicate that the Mavericks have engaged in discussions with the Detroit Pistons regarding a potential trade involving Hardaway. While specific trade scenarios are still evolving, there is speculation that Quentin Grimes, acquired by the Pistons from the Knicks in 2024, could be part of the deal. Grimes, a Texas native, would offer financial relief to the Mavericks, costing significantly less than Hardaway’s current contract.
The motivation behind trading Hardaway lies not only in his recent performance but also in the Mavericks’ strategic plans for the offseason. General manager Nico Harrison has emphasized re-signing Derrick Jones Jr., whose impactful playoff contributions have made him a priority for the team. Jones played in every postseason game for Dallas, starting each one and delivering career-best statistics of 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game with solid shooting percentages.
Trading Hardaway would free up valuable cap space for the Mavericks to secure Jones’s return and potentially strengthen their roster. This move underscores Dallas’s commitment to building a competitive team for the upcoming seasons, prioritizing consistency and financial flexibility over Hardaway’s uneven tenure.
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