3 Trade destinations that make sense for Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr., 3 that don't

The Dallas Mavericks bounced back at home against the New York Knicks winning 128-124, after a disappointing loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. Luka Doncic was not available in this matchup against the Knicks and seems it's becoming a struggle for Doncic and Kyrie Irving to play consistently together.

Kyrie Irving stole the show in a game where the spotlight was on Jalen Brunson, as it was his first time playing in the American Airlines Center since signing with New York. Irving finished the game with 44 points, and 10 assists ultimately sealing the win for Dallas.

With Luka Doncic not playing, we saw an increased role and production from other Mavericks players, including Tim Hardaway Jr., Josh Green, and others. Hardaway Jr. is currently averaging the most minutes and 2nd most points off the bench this season.

3 Trade destinations that make sense for Mavericks' Tim Hardaway Jr., 3 that don't

Hardaway Jr. had one of his best games last night against the Knicks, finishing with 32 points, and six rebounds while shooting 46% from three. He has proved his ability to score as a second option or a sixth man throughout this season.

Hardaway Jr. started the year with the hot hand and proved his value with a stretch of consistent basketball. As the injuries toppled this team and roles began to shift, Hardaway Jr.'s play did as well.

The start of 2024 has been rough for Tim Hardaway Jr., averaging just 12 points, and shooting 31 percent from three. As the NBA trade deadline approaches, it can be said that Hardaway Jr. might be slumping at the wrong time.

Hardaway Jr. has been and still is an excellent fit for a player like Luka Doncic. His unwavering commitment to sacrifice his body on defense and difficult shot-making ability make Hardaway Jr. a valuable piece any contending team would want.

After Hardaway Jr's solid stretch at the beginning of the year, fans may have assumed he would be safe from trade rumors. Unfortunately, due to his play as of late and moves being made around the league, this proves to be false as it has been rumored that the Mavs are shopping him.

Here are three trade destinations for Tim Hardaway Jr. that make sense, and three that don't.

6. Makes Sense: Toronto Raptors

The highlight of this year's NBA trade deadline happens to be focused in Toronto. After a long-awaited OG Anunoby trade, the focus shifted to All-Star forward Pascal Siakam. The Dallas Mavericks are the current betting favorites to land Siakam before the February 8 deadline.

Tim Hardaway Jr. happens to be one of the most valuable assets the Mavs currently have at their disposal. With the reluctance to move some young pieces, it seems evident that Hardaway Jr. would be in a deal to acquire Siakam.

The Raptors are currently ranked 28th in 3-pointers made, and have an offensive rating of 116. With Toronto in the middle of a miniature roster reconstruction, a sharpshooting veteran could be a key factor in developing a team full of young guys.

Hardaway Jr. also fits into the defensive culture that is already built into Toronto's culture, as he's a league leader in charges drawn. The way he's willing to give his body up and also knock down shots at a high rate is a crucial thing for young players like Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett to witness.

Depending on how serious the trade talks between Toronto and Dallas get, it'll be interesting to see what kind of package the Raptors would ask for and if it would actually include Hardaway Jr.