Jaden Hardy is doing everything to make Mavericks regret trade

Ever since being traded by the Dallas Mavericks in the Anthony Davis trade, Jaden Hardy has been balling out for the Washington Wizards. He’s been efficient from deep range and playing more minutes than he ever did with the Mavs. Sometimes, a new situation does everything for a player, but Hardy is at least giving Dallas a small sense of regret.

Hardy is still only 23 years old. He was the No. 37 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and he showed a few flashes of potential during his time with the Mavs. However, he never made enough of a mark to climb up the ladder in Jason Kidd’s rotation. 

Still, seeing Hardy shine in a new jersey has to sting for Dallas, even if just a little bit.

Jaden Hardy playing well enough to make Mavericks rethink trade (even just a little bit)

The Davis trade was a massive one. It was a nine-player, three-team deal. Davis, Hardy, D’Angelo Russell, and Dante Exum were traded to the Wizards, all by way of the Mavericks.

In return, Dallas received Khris Middleton, AJ Johnson, Tyus Jones, and Marvin Bagley, along with first-round picks in 2026 and 2030 (and three second-round picks).

The Charlotte Hornets got Malaki Branham in the trade.

Since getting to Washington, Hardy has been a real part of Brian Keefe’s rotation. It hasn’t led to many wins, as the Wizards are tanking this season, but Hardy has put up some solid numbers.

He’s appeared in six games for the Wizards, all coming off the bench. Hardy is playing 20.0 minutes per contest, which is more than he played in any of his three-and-a-half seasons in Dallas.

In those games, Hardy is averaging 13.2 points and 2.2 rebounds while shooting 41.8% from the field and a scorching-hot 44.1% from deep range on 5.7 three-point attempts per contest.

Those are some pretty impressive numbers for Hardy, especially the three-point percentage. But again, he showed plenty of flashes of potential while in Dallas. It just never stuck

Perhaps this is just another one of those fleeting moments in time. A stretch of games in which Hardy gets red-hot from deep. He’s prone to those types of performances.

But still, seeing him have this level of success as soon as he leaves Dallas has to leave the Mavericks thinking just a little bit about including him in the Davis deal.

It will probably end up being a nothing-burger. But for now, it’s a storyline to monitor.