Mavericks youngster claps back at trade noise with loud offseason statement

Jaden Hardy has been part of the Mavericks' franchise for the past three years. He has been a role player who has had frequent success. The problem is his level of inconsistency. Hardy is a fast-paced scorer who can struggle with shooting consistency and taking care of the ball. For example, in the Mavs' last game, Hardy scored 17 points, but shot 22.2 percent from the 3-point line and had three turnovers.

This is why fans have requested that Hardy be traded this offseason. His inability to improve drastically and set himself apart from the pack is the main reason many want him dealt. Many believe it's time to move on before the 2025-26 regular season begins. Not to mention, he still has three years left on his contract. However, this upcoming season, Hardy could be out for revenge.

Last season, Hardy improved his points per game by 1.4, and he even averaged a season-high 12.3 points per game in April. Statistically, he also improved his field goal and 3-point percentage during the 2024-25 season. Therefore, there is reason to believe he will continue to improve his game. Additionally, recent video evidence suggests that Hardy has improved his game amid the trade speculation.

Jaden Hardy's summer video dismantles the case for Mavs to trade him

In a recent Instagram video, Hardy was shown playing basketball at a Pro Run hosted by Shane Butler at Allen High School. It was a great look for Hardy and his development, as fans would be pleased with what they saw. He seemed like a different player from four months ago. It's possible he heard the trade rumors circulating and is ready to silence them.

Hardy looked confident with the ball in his hands. For starters, he was shooting the ball with ease from long range. Hardy had no problem pulling up from downtown and drilling the shot, even with a defender in his face. He also showcased other attributes, such as attacking the rim and finding his teammates open in the paint.

This is something that should make fans happy. If you recall, Hardy has a career average of 1.4 assists per game. It's something he has struggled with, as his assist and turnover numbers have been pretty similar. Yet, knowing that he was able to control the ball well and shoot comfortably from the 3-point line should give fans hope that Hardy can finally break through and become consistent.

A new Hardy could be exactly what the Mavs needed. If he can demonstrate that he has taken the Mavs fans' challenge to heart, then it's possible Hardy could be a key component of the team's second unit.

If you recall, last month, the Mavericks signed Dante Exum to a one-year deal. It's a move that gives Dallas an extra ball handler but puts them over roster capacity. Basically, the team already has 15 players under contract and will need to make room if the Exum signing is true. So, once the signing becomes official, the Mavs must make a move, and this is where someone like Hardy or Olivier-Maxence Prosper comes in.

It's possible, though, that Hardy may have saved himself with his new, improved game. His improved guard play is something Dallas desperately needs. Since Kyrie Irving is out until further notice, Dallas needs all the guard help it can get. The team currently has D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Williams as well, and the Exum deal hasn't been officially announced.

So, the team will need all the guard help they can get. Hardy has the potential to lead a second or third unit if he plays like he did in the linked video above. The issue will be consistency. He will need to continue playing at a high level in every game without showing consistent regression.

There is reason to believe Hardy is playing next season with a chip on his shoulder. His recent summer highlights should give fans reason to believe this will be the year he takes the next leap. Now, Mavs fans hope they can see more of the new Hardy.