11 Players the Dallas Mavericks held onto for too long

6. Tim Hardaway Jr.

The Mavs acquired Hardaway Jr. in the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019. The Knicks were eager to dump his contract. At four years and $70 million, THJ was viewed as overpaid and underperforming. Since arriving in Dallas, he has become an elite shooter capable of scoring 15 every night.

Hardaway Jr. is a solid role player, and the Mavericks did not want to lose him when he hit the open market in 2021. The two sides agreed to a new four-year $75 million contract, and it feels like THJ has been in trade rumors ever since. Dallas has shopped the 6’5 wing, but no deal has materialized.

The Dallas Mavericks had an out in 2021. They could have worked out a sign-and-trade to get Tim Hardaway Jr. on the team he wanted and got the sharpshooter off their books. Instead, the front office gave him even more money, and instantly regretted it.

THJ will remain in trade rumors and continue to play a key role for the franchise. They need his shooting and scoring, especially in the second unit. Hardaway Jr. is a subpar defender with questionable shot selection, so do not expect a trade to materialize anytime soon. The Mavs are stuck with Hardaway Jr., but it won’t stop them from exploring the market.