The Dallas Mavericks concluded their impressive playoff journey with a bitter defeat. While reaching the NBA Finals is a significant accomplishment, falling short, as they did to the Boston Celtics in five games, left a sour note. Looking ahead to the offseason, the Mavericks are contemplating moves that could close the gap with Boston, including a potential trade involving Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway Jr. has been a consistent contributor during his tenure with the Mavericks, spanning five and a half seasons. Known for his scoring prowess off the bench, he has averaged a minimum of 14.2 points per game each season in Dallas, garnering recognition on the sixth man of the year ballots in both 2021 and 2024. His standout performance in Game 4 of the Finals, where he set a Mavericks record with five three-pointers in a single quarter, showcased his offensive capabilities, albeit in garbage time.
However, despite these flashes, Hardaway Jr. found himself marginalized during the playoffs, particularly in non-garbage time situations where his impact was minimal. According to statistics from Cleaning the Glass, the Mavericks struggled with a -16.5 net rating when he was on the court in meaningful minutes, underscoring his limited effectiveness during critical game stretches.
During the NBA Finals against the Celtics, Hardaway Jr. played a total of 48 minutes, with the majority (29 minutes) coming in mop-up duties during blowout losses. In the crucial Game 3, where he saw 19 minutes of action, he failed to score in five attempts, ending with a disappointing plus/minus of -16 in a game the Mavericks lost by seven points.
In contrast, players like Jaden Hardy and Dante Exum stepped into the rotation in place of Hardaway Jr. during the playoffs. While their future with the team remains uncertain due to non-guaranteed contracts, their combined salary of approximately $5.2 million presents a cost-effective alternative to Hardaway Jr.’s hefty $16 million salary in the final year of his contract.
Financially, trading Hardaway Jr. could provide the Mavericks with necessary cap relief. Currently over the luxury tax threshold with a payroll of $171.9 million, they face constraints in offering significant contracts, such as a full non-tax mid-level exception, without shedding salary first. Derrick Jones Jr., who excelled after joining the team on a minimum contract, now commands a higher salary due to his impactful play, necessitating financial maneuvering on Dallas’ part.
While Hardaway Jr. has been a valuable asset for the Mavericks, it appears his role may have diminished, especially given his lack of impact in crucial playoff moments. Moving him via trade before the 2024 NBA offseason concludes could align with the team’s strategic goals of optimizing roster flexibility and financial efficiency. This decision could enable Dallas to make necessary adjustments to bolster their competitive edge and potentially elevate their performance in future postseasons.
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In summary, while Hardaway Jr.’s tenure in Dallas has been marked by notable contributions, the team’s playoff aspirations may necessitate parting ways to pursue a more balanced and effective roster composition moving forward.
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