Tim Hardaway Sr. has indicated that the Dallas Mavericks are looking to trade his son this offseason. Tim Hardaway Jr., 32, is on a $16.2 million expiring contract and was recently removed from the team’s playoff rotation. In a now-deleted Instagram comment, Hardaway Sr. stated, “Yes, they are. And we want to have a new opportunity to shine. We didn’t like what happened. We are ready to go.”
NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that the Mavericks are actively seeking a trade partner for Hardaway. Stein reported, “League sources say that the Mavericks will promptly resume their long-running search for a trade partner to take Hardaway on, which is more likely than ever to come to fruition with the 32-year-old now entering the final season of his current contract and with his salary declining from $17.9 million in 2023-24 to $16.2 million in 2024-25.”
This news isn’t surprising for Mavs fans, who have witnessed Hardaway Jr. struggle with his role this season. Initially averaging 16.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in the first 56 games, his performance declined after the team refocused on defense post-trade deadline. From February onwards, he averaged 8.6 points on 35.9% shooting and saw limited playoff action, averaging 4.4 points in 12.7 minutes per game, with multiple DNPs.
Hardaway Sr. has been critical of Luka Doncic’s high-usage playing style, indicating a desire for his son to leave the Mavericks.
The Mavericks have several options for moving Hardaway Jr. They might trade him for a player on a smaller contract to open up their non-tax mid-level exception, aiding in re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. Alternatively, they could package him with other players for an upgrade at the wing position, with recent links to Jerami Grant, Mikal Bridges, and Cam Johnson.
Hardaway Jr. joined the Mavericks in 2019 as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade. His potential departure would end a notable era for the franchise, which has faced challenges in managing stars and assets until the 2023-24 season.
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