Should the Dallas Mavericks pass or pursue hypothetical Tim Hardaway Jr. trades?
By Tyler Watts
Should Dallas Mavericks pass or pursue 3-team trade that sends Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Lakers?
Sean Deveney cooked up a three-team trade, involving the Los Angeles Lakers. It is no secret that the Lakers want to improve their roster, and they continue to search for a viable Russell Westbrook trade as the fit is not there around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. LA needs shooting, and acquiring Hardaway Jr. would help fill that void.
Deveney added the Utah Jazz into this mix to make the deal work for both sides, and fans can see his hypothetical trade from Heavy.com below.
Dallas Mavericks acquire: Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn
Los Angeles Lakers receive: Tim Hardaway Jr., 2023 first-round pick (via Philadelphia)
Utah Jazz acquire: Talen Horton-Tucker, Wenyen Gabriel, 2027 first-round pick (via Lakers)
From the Mavericks' perspective, they give up Hardaway Jr. to acquire Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn, which is a move they would make in a second. Pat Bev brings strong perimeter defense, and he can be the secondary ball-handler and playmaker the Mavs desperately need.
Nunn is a total wildcard after missing all of last season with a knee injury, but it is easy to forget he averaged 14.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 0.9 steals in 29.5 minutes in his final season with the Heat. Little went right last season, but Nunn could provide similar production to THJ if he is healthy.
Should Dallas Mavericks pass or pursue 3-team Tim Hardaway Jr. trade? Pursue
This one is a no-brainer for the Mavericks. They do not give up any draft capital, and they turn Hardaway Jr. and his contract into the expiring deals of Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn. Both should play well in Dallas before becoming unrestricted free agents next summer.
The Mavs might even re-sign one or both players if they fit seamlessly around superstar Luka Doncic. Beverley is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and Nunn has shown flashes when healthy.