Ranking the Dallas Mavericks' top 9 trade assets heading into the offseason

The Dallas Mavericks must improve their roster this summer after missing the playoffs. They lost 18 of their final 25 regular season games, including tanking the final two to improve their chances of keeping their top ten protected first-round pick. Without upgrades, Luka Doncic could request a trade and leave the Mavs in shambles.

The team’s top offseason priority is to re-sign Kyrie Irving. They gave up two starters and three draft picks to acquire the eight-time All-Star in February, but he becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer. Dallas can offer the biggest contract, but will they?

Getting Kyrie back is not enough. Dallas must upgrade their roster around their two superstars, but they won’t have cap space. The improvements will have to come through trades, and the Mavs must give to get. Here is a look at their nine positive assets that they could use this summer in deals.

Dallas Mavericks' best trade assets: 9. Tim Hardaway Jr.

THJ has become an elite shooter in Dallas that can score 15 points per game. Over the last four years combined, he has made 38.2 percent of his 3-point attempts as he averages 15.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Hardaway Jr. is a catch-and-shoot option that can attack a closeout.

The 31-year-old has two years and $34.1 million left on his contract. There would be interest in a 6’5 wing that shoots over 38 percent from three that is making just over $17 million per year. He could be the salary-matcher in a trade this summer that nets the Mavericks an upgrade.

Dallas has shopped Tim Hardaway Jr. since the 2022 trade deadline, but they have been unable to find a deal that improves their roster. Will it be on the table this summer? Dallas could trade THJ for a pair of second-round picks or a late first-rounder, but the Mavs want to win now. THJ helps them more than the draft capital.