Dallas Mavericks: 5 biggest questions heading into the offseason

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Dallas Mavericks Tim Hardaway Jr. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

Dallas Mavericks question heading into offseason: 3. Do they re-sign THJ?

Fans may view this question as an afterthought. Tim Hardaway Jr. is coming off arguably the best season of his career as he becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Mavs have unlocked his catch and shoot ability, and THJ showed improvement attacking off the dribble in 2021.

There appears to be mutual interest in keeping him in Dallas long-term. Coach Rick Carlisle called re-signing him a “priority” this offseason on June 7. Hardaway Jr. said, “I really felt like this was home for me, and I created a niche for myself here to be part of something bigger than myself” during his exit interview.

Re-signing Hardaway Jr. is a bit complicated, though. He has a $28.4 million cap hold meaning the Dallas Mavericks would have to renounce his bird rights to sign another star player. If he returns, the organization will just have the $9.5 million mid-level exception and minimum contracts to use on free agents. Will that be enough to allow them to jump into title contention? Does Dallas look to create more?

Expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to be back with the Dallas Mavericks next season. Both sides appear committed to a reunion, but things change fast in the NBA. Can they get a deal done this offseason? Stay tuned.

Next: No. 2

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