The NBA trade winds have been blowing through the Dallas Mavericks’ camp this offseason, with rumors surrounding the potential departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. from the team’s roster. As the Mavericks aim to bolster various areas of their lineup, the question arises: Why would they consider parting ways with the 6’5″ shooting guard?
Hardaway Jr.’s journey with the Mavericks has been marked by both promise and productivity. He has proven himself as a reliable contributor alongside the Mavericks’ rising star, Luka Doncic. The statistical analysis reinforces this synergy, as Dallas registers an impressive 124.6 points per 100 possessions when Doncic and THJ share the court. In contrast, this figure dips to 114.1 points without Hardaway Jr., highlighting his impact, as reported by Cleaning The Glass.
REPORT: The Heat and Mavericks have discussed a trade package surrounding Tim Hardaway Jr, per @AdamNBorai.
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— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 11, 2023
The End of Tim Hardaway Jr’s time with the Mavs is Looming
Tim Cato of The Athletic emphasizes a broader perspective. He suggests that the Mavericks’ need for a sharpshooting presence, like Hardaway, goes beyond the individual player. It’s about having someone who can capitalize on Luka Doncic’s playmaking, drawing defenders, and creating more open opportunities. While the team may explore other options, retaining Hardaway could still offer Dallas a valuable asset.
Cato elaborates, “Hardaway’s time with the Mavericks has an ending in sight…but it could still be a little further away than even the team itself thought.” This sentiment underscores the potential value that Hardaway Jr. brings to the team, even in the midst of trade speculation.
Considering the Mavericks’ roster dynamics, the acquisition of Kyrie Irving further fuels the possibility of a Hardaway departure. With an abundance of guards at their disposal, the Mavericks could explore trade scenarios to secure assets that complement their ambitions. The need for another big man to fortify the paint could be met through a strategic trade involving Tim Hardaway Jr.
Even in the event of a trade, Tim Hardaway Jr. remains an enticing proposition for championship-contending teams. His skillset aligns well with the requirements of a reliable bench option, similar to players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jordan Poole. The ability to provide instant offense off the bench is a quality that can enhance the title aspirations of numerous teams.
In essence, the trade rumors regarding Tim Hardaway Jr. have shed light on the intricate balance that the Dallas Mavericks seek to strike. While the team explores potential trade avenues to address its needs, the valuable contributions and skillset of Hardaway Jr. remain undeniable. As the NBA offseason continues to unfold, the fate of the 6’5″ guard hangs in the balance, potentially impacting not only the Mavericks’ roster but also the landscape of championship contenders across the league.
