Dallas Mavericks: What does Tim Hardaway Jr. do with his player option?

Why Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway should opt-out

The case for Hardaway Jr. opting out would be to maximize his value on the open market. Not many teams have cap space, but he would be one of the best players available in this class. Could Hardaway Jr. get a three-year $45 million deal from a team hungry to improve?

The 28-year-old shot 39.8 percent from 3-point range this season. He is a career 35.3 percent shooter. Before this year, he had never topped 36.3 percent. That number could regress next season and cause his value to slip.

The other worry would be an injury. Hardaway Jr. has missed 80 games over the last five seasons. An injury-plagued year could cause his value to plummet. He did play 71 of the Mavericks 75 regular-season games this season.

With his value at its peak, should Hardaway Jr. attempt to cash in on a long-term deal? That is what he has to decide this offseason. The choice is between returning to Dallas on a one-year deal worth nearly $19 million to be on a playoff team or hit the open market chasing a long-term deal with a non-contender. Is THJ willing to bet on himself and return to the Mavericks?

Next: Odds he is back in Dallas