Regrading the Mavericks trades since Nico Harrison took over as GM

Regrading Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s trade for Jaden Hardy

The Mavs planned to target Hardy with their first-round pick, but the Christian Wood trade was too good to pass up. The 6’10 forward filled a rebounding hole for Dallas, and it gives them another talented scorer and floor spacer. Trading for Wood left Dallas with no draft picks, but the front office changed that as Jaden Hardy slipped into the second round.

The Mavs began working the phones, and they finally found a deal with the Sacramento Kings that broke down like this.

Dallas Mavericks acquire: 38th overall pick in 2022 NBA Draft (Jaden Hardy)

Sacramento Kings land: 2 future second-round picks

Dallas felt like they traded two second-round picks for a top 20 player in this class, which is smart business every time. Players taken in the top 20 have a much higher hit rate than second-round picks, especially late second-rounders.

It is too early to tell what Hardy turns into, but he was the number two overall player in his class coming out of high school, and early returns with the Mavericks have been strong. Dallas could have an absolute steal on their hands.

Regrading Dallas Mavericks trade for Jaden Hardy: A

Nico Harrison has done well on the trade market in his year-plus leading the Dallas Mavericks front office, and he is far from done. The 49-year-old is still working the phones and looking for ways to improve the team’s roster. Do not be surprised to see another deal or two before the trade deadline in February.

What move will Nico Harrison make next? Will it push the Mavericks into title contention? Can he acquire a second star to pair with Luka Doncic? So far, so good, but Harrison still needs to make moves. Stay tuned to see what he can pull off.