All Signs Point to Mavericks Veteran Leaving This Offseason

The Dallas Mavericks will try everything they can this offseason to improve the roster and make it back to the NBA Finals in 2025. They are limited in terms of cap space, so they will need to use the trade market to do so. One of the likeliest candidates to be traded is Tim Hardaway Jr. and his father just confirmed that probability.

On a social media post that said "[Mavs] shipping him out after this season", Tim Hardaway Sr. responded with "Yes they are", adding that they want a new opportunity for his son.

Mavericks Rumors: Tim Hardaway Jr. Likely Gone This Summer

Tim Hardaway Sr. blaming the organization for his son's struggles is hilariously misplaced. Hardaway Jr. had plenty of opportunities to contribute to the Mavericks but was an absolute disaster in the postseason.

He is a fine regular-season player but doesn't do anything else but score. He wasn't even doing that in the playoffs, averaging 4.4 points per game on 37.9% shooting from the field.

On top of it all, he will get paid $16.1 million for the 2024-25 season. A title contender like the Mavericks can't afford to pay that to a bench player who gets played off the court in every postseason.

Hardaway Jr. is the perfect trade chip due to his contract. It expires after next season and the salary slot is perfect to bring an actual difference-maker. The Mavericks can attach draft capital and Josh Green or Jaden Hardy to sweeten the deal and trade for someone who can close games for them.

His father may not like it, but Hardaway Jr. won't find a better situation than in Dallas. Getting set up by Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving and only taking open shots is a dream scenario for any shooting guard.

If you can't thrive in that situation, it's hard to foresee where you can. But hopefully, a team values what he brings to the table so that Dallas can move on from him without too much trouble.

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