Dallas Mavericks: Is Tim Hardaway Jr. a long-term answer for the Mavs?

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. in the Kristaps Porzingis trade with the New York Knicks in Jan. 2019. The 6’5 wing was the Knicks leading scorer at the time, but he was viewed as a throw-in by many. New York wanted his $37 million over the next two seasons off their books to chase free agents. The Mavericks were happy to take it as they quickly transformed THJ into a more efficient player.

Since the start of the 2019-2020 season, he has averaged 16.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game on 44.0 percent shooting from the field and 39.7 percent on his 3-point tries as the Mavs unlocked his outside shooting. Hardaway Jr. moved to the bench this season but continues to thrive in his role.

The 29-year-old becomes an unrestricted free agent after this season. Is he a long-term answer for the Mavericks? Will they win the bidding of his services this summer? Let us take a closer look.

Is Tim Hardaway Jr. a long-term answer for the Dallas Mavericks?

The Mavs have cap space this summer and want to jump into title contention. They will have significantly more room if they waive Hardaway’s cap hold off their books, meaning Dallas has an important decision to make early in the offseason. Is THJ a long-term piece for the Mavericks, or are they going to go in a different direction with that money?

Let us examine his game and fit with the Dallas Mavericks before deciding if they should re-sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to a long-term deal in the offseason.

Next: What does THJ bring?