Mavericks should consider deadline reunion with guard they completely gave up on

The Dallas Mavericks have a major 3-point problem, and one possible solution could be trading for former Mavs sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. The team's deep shooting has been a major concern, as Dallas ranks at the bottom of the NBA in multiple 3-point categories, so there's no doubt Hardaway Jr. would be a major asset if they were able to acquire him.

The former Mav is having one of the best shooting seasons of his career with the Denver Nuggets. Hardaway Jr. is knocking down a career-high 41 percent of his 3-point attempts, as he has been a valuable asset for the Nuggets off the bench.

Last month, the Nuggets' guard reminded Dallas what they missed out on when he made 58.3 percent of his 3-point attempts against the Mavs. Not to mention, he shot 12 3-point attempts and made seven. Hardaway Jr. finished December shooting 38.3 percent from long range, illustrating that he seems to have reverted to his old successful shooting ways and is comfortable in his role.

Tim Hardaway Jr. would help solve Dallas' 3-point shooting woes

So, it seems like bringing back Hardaway Jr. is a trade that could work out for both sides, right? It's clear Dallas needs all the 3-point shooting it can get.

For starters, Dallas has been extremely unsuccessful in their 3-point shooting. They are currently shooting 33.7 percent from the 3-point line, the third-worst shooting percentage in the league. Not to mention, Dallas is also attempting 32.2 3-point shots. This is the fifth-worst attempt in the league.

They're not shooting enough threes, and they're not making enough either.

It's an issue Mavs fans are tired of seeing, as the team drastically needs shooting help. For example, in Dallas' most recent loss on Thursday, they shot 21 percent from the 3-point line and attempted 28 long-range shots against the Philadelphia 76ers.

In their previous game, Dallas shot 34 percent from the 3-point line and attempted 32 threes, nine fewer than the Portland Trail Blazers. So, again, why not try to bring back Hardaway Jr.? The Mavericks need to improve their 3-point percentage and increase their attempts, and he would help them in both of those areas.

Remember, two seasons ago, Hardaway Jr. made Mavericks history when he knocked down five 3-pointers in the NBA Finals. It was a moment the Mavs desperately needed as they struggled throughout the finals, and he gave them a glimmer of hope in Game 4.

In addition, the former Mav also tied the franchise record in 2021 for most threes made in a single game. It was a historical moment, as Hardaway Jr. became the third Maverick to make 10 3-point shots. Plus, he also made nine 3-pointers twice during his time in Dallas.

3-point shooting was his calling card for his entire Mavericks tenure, and Dallas desperately needs some players who aren't afraid to let it fly from beyond the arc. 3-point volume is never a problem for Hardaway Jr., and he'd help give their second unit another shooter.

So, it's a match that could work out for both sides. However, if Dallas does decide to bring back their former shooting guard, it must proceed with caution. Remember, one of the reasons the Mavs traded Hardaway Jr. was due to his random shooting slumps. It's a trend the Detroit Pistons dealt with last season.

Currently, Hardaway Jr. is on a shooting slump. He has been shooting 33 percent from the 3-point line over the past three games. This is a difference from November and October, when he made over 40 percent of his attempts.

Yet, Dallas shouldn't be distracted, as Hardaway Jr. is still shooting at a high level. As mentioned, his 3-point percentage is at a career high. In addition, his history with the Mavericks could be enough of a reason to convince the team to bring him back.