Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis trade started as call for Tim Hardaway Jr.

Dallas Mavericks called to talk about Tim Hardaway Jr. when the Kristaps Porzingis trade went down

The Dallas Mavericks made a franchise-altering deal on Jan. 31, 2019. They sent three starters and two first-round picks to the New York Knicks to acquire Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke. It gave the Mavs a second star to pair with Luka Doncic plus three capable role players to round out their roster.

The trade has been a home run for the Mavericks. Porzingis has returned from his ACL injury. He is playing his best basketball during the season’s restart. THJ has blossomed into the Mavs third scorer and an outstanding shooter. Lee and Burke have made impacts in Dallas too. Fans can read a look back at the trade on the one-year anniversary here.

The deal was not what the Mavs had in mind when they made the call to the Knicks, though. Tim Hardaway Sr. filled fans in on what happened. Let us take a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks called to ask about Tim Hardaway Jr. before making Kristaps Porzingis deal

Tim Hardaway Sr. gave an interview to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram where he let everyone know how the trade actually went down. See his quotes below.

"“A lot of people don’t know this, but the trade was not for Kristaps Porzingis. The trade was for Tim Hardaway Jr. Everybody thinks that trade is for Porzingis.”"

Hardaway Sr. also had this to say about the deal.

"“Dallas called New York first about Tim Hardaway Jr. That was who they wanted. That’s when New York said, ‘What do you think about Porzingis?’ And then they threw Tim in the deal. People are going to say that’s not true to cover their butt, but that’s what I know.”"

The comments should not come as a total shock. Nobody including the Mavericks thought KP was available. That was what made the trade so stunning last January.

Wanting Tim Hardaway Jr. paid off for the Mavericks. He has taken a step forward in Dallas. The 28-year-old is in his prime too. The entire deal was a massive win for the Mavs. It is interesting to know how it all came together.

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