Dallas Mavericks rumors: Tim Hardaway Jr. agrees to deal with Mavs

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade back in 2019. Some experts were viewing it as a salary dump by New York as the Knicks were hoping to land a marquee free agent that offseason. Hardaway Jr. transformed his game and turned into arguably the Mavs second most productive player over the last two seasons.

THJ’s biggest improvement was shooting more off the catch. He became the perfect complement to Luka Doncic as a floor spacer. Hardaway Jr. hit 39.4 percent of his 1,042 3-point attempts over the last two seasons combined. The Mavericks want to put shooters around their 22-year-old superstar, and THJ has become an important piece for Dallas.

Hardaway Jr. was an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but he agreed to re-sign with the Mavs just minutes after discussions were allowed on Aug. 2. The deal cannot become official until Aug. 6, but Shams Charania reports THJ got a four-year contract worth $72 million. Here is a look at what the means for the Mavs going forward.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks agree to deal with Tim Hardaway Jr.

The new pact keeps THJ in Dallas long-term. He makes an average of $18 million per season over the next four years, which leaves the Mavericks room to add additional free agent this summer. They are targeting another marquee piece for their starting five. Kyle Lowry was the rumored top target, but he appears headed to the Miami Heat in a sign-and-trade.

Dallas Mavericks supporters should be happy that the team brought back Tim Hardaway Jr. because the 29-year-old has become a key piece for them. He be the team’s third scorer that is hoping to shoot over 40 percent for the first time in his career next season. THJ was close the last two years and should have his best season yet.

What else can new general manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison pull off? Stay tuned to find out and keep checking back to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.