Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. officially back next season

Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. officially back for the final year of his contract

The Dallas Mavericks had a draft night to remember. They added three rookies plus traded for veteran wing Josh Richardson. The Mavs improved their roster significantly by filling a few holes, but in this shortened offseason things do not stop.

Thursday was the deadline for Tim Hardaway Jr. to make a final decision on his player option for the upcoming season. He could opt-in for the final year of his deal at $18.975 million or test the free-agent market. Everyone expected him to be back with the Mavericks.

Let us take a look at the official word, and what it means for the Mavs.

Tim Hardaway Jr. opts-in and will return to the Dallas Mavericks

Brad Townsend broke the news just three hours before Thursday’s 4 p.m. CT deadline. See the tweet below.

The Mavericks are ecstatic to have Hardaway Jr. back in the fold. He is coming off arguably the best year of his career. The 28-year-old shot 39.8 percent from 3-point range and was the Mavs third scorer. THJ is also an underrated defender who is capable of creating shots for himself.

Expect Hardaway Jr. to start on the wing next to newly acquired Josh Richardson. Both players will need to step up early in the season because Kristaps Porzingis will be on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery. THJ is more than capable. Fans should expect another outstanding season from the 6’5 wing.

The Dallas Mavericks offseason moves are not done. Free agency kicks off on Friday evening, and the Mavs are expected to add a veteran with their mid-level exception. The organization should be primed to contend for a championship heading into training camp. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the opinions and analysis that Mavericks supporters crave.