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.

5. Doesn't Make Sense: Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers have been an aggressor before this trade deadline, and there are a few players who have circulated Mavericks trade rumors in previous years and continue to this year.

In previous years, Myles Turner and Buddy Hield have continuously been linked to Dallas for numerous of reasons. Again, this past offseason, Buddy Hield has been linked to Dallas, but fans aren't as eager for Buddy as they were before.

Although Hardaway Jr. would be a great veteran presence for that locker room and a familiar face for Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle, it would be a lateral move at best. The Pacers are a team with young guards, and have depth at the position.

Hield being an expiring contract makes him vulnerable to any trade, but with Hardaway Jr. making around the same amount this trade really wouldn't help the Pacers. On the flip side, Hield being expiring could be an incentive for Dallas to pull the trigger on a deal like this.

With Indiana in a handful of rumors around the league, including making Hield available, it'll be interesting to see what direction they take, and what players are moved. The price on guys like Buddy Hield and Myles Turner isn't as high as in years past, so we'll see if the Mavs have any interest like before.

4. Makes Sense: Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors aren't having the season they anticipated, and some of their top contributors are underperforming. The only untouchable player on the roster is Stephen Curry, and maybe Dallas and Golden State can work out a deal.

Although there haven't been reports linking Dallas to former No. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins or veteran center Kevon Looney, both players would be good pickups for Dallas. Jonathan Kuminga would also be a good pickup, and it was reported that he is frustrated with his role.

The Mavericks have been searching for a two-way forward and a solid rebounding big for what feels like since Luka was drafted. Andrew Wiggins hasn't looked the same this year, but Mavs fans are hoping a change of scenery is all he needs just like when he left Minnesota.

The Warriors don't have any stability in their starting or bench lineup. Bringing in a consistent veteran like Tim Hardaway Jr. and being able to plug him in wherever is exactly what the Warriors need. Hardaway Jr. would also take the pressure off Curry as he spaces the floor and knocks down tough jumpers.

Another incentive for the Warriors would be getting off of Wiggins's salary while picking up a more productive Hardaway Jr. for half the price. A package including Wiggins and Looney would put the Mavericks in win-now mode and the Warriors with salary cap space to figure it out.

It'll be interesting to see what moves the Warriors make if any, and it seems like them and the Mavericks are perfect trade partners.

3. Doesn't Make Sense: Detroit Pistons

The Detroit Pistons are in the middle of one the worst seasons in recent memory, but there have been reports tying them to the Dallas Mavericks who have shown interest in center Isaiah Stewart.

After drafting Dereck Lively II and seeing what he can do when healthy, there have been glaring holes when he isn't available. Isaiah Stewart helps contribute to filling those holes, as he brings a strong paint presence and an underrated 3-point shot, he could be the perfect fit in Dallas.

The Pistons have a multitude of young players, and the majority of them happen to be guards. Sending Tim Hardaway Jr. to Detroit doesn't make sense for anyone involved. Hardaway Jr. could serve as a veteran presence for the Pistons, but considering how far they are from contention that might not be as valuable.

If a trade surrounding Hardaway Jr. and Stewart the Mavericks would have to apply an incentive like a pick, since THJ has a contract 4 times bigger than Stewart. The Pistons would ultimately be taking THJ in as a salary dump at that point, and that isn't something they need. If the Mavericks do intend on acquiring Isaiah Stewart, it'll be interesting to see who and what it takes.

2. Make Sense: Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards thought they found some stability in their roster after committing to building around Jordan Poole and Kyle Kuzma. After just a short period of time, things may have been miscalculated in Washington, and forward Kyle Kuzma could be on the move.

There haven't been any reports linking Dallas to the former NBA Champion in Kuzma, but he would be a great fit as a third option for the Mavs. It's unclear the direction Washington is headed as a franchise but it's a place where Hardaway Jr. can earn a more prominent role as an experienced guy.

Despite having a below-average offense as a team, Washington is shooting 36 percent from three. Hardaway Jr. could bring consistent production off the bench while showing the young guys how to thrive in the role assigned, which THJ does to perfection.

Kyle Kuzma wouldn't be the only Wizard the Mavs would possibly try to acquire. Center Daniel Gafford would also be an excellent big coming off the bench for Dereck Lively II and could replace the production Lively II brings.

Once Washington figures out the direction of the roster, It'll be interesting to see the moves they make and if it'll include either one of these players. Hopefully, the Mavericks stay aggressive in their pursuit of a forward or center.

1. Doesn't make sense: Brooklyn Nets

Since the start of the season, reports have linked the Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets as possible trade partners. Ever since the Kyrie Irving trade, it's speculated that the relationship between Dallas and Brooklyn is a good one.

The most notable reports have linked former Maverick, Dorian Finney-Smith back to his stomping grounds in Dallas. This move would make the utmost sense for Dallas, but unfortunately, Dallas may not have anything the Nets want.

Dallas would most likely offer Josh Green or Tim Hardaway Jr., but the Nets have so many players like these guys, that it'd be hard to find room for them. The Nets' strength is their depth and like Hardaway Jr., many of them are sharpshooters, so his value is diminished from what they already have.

As much as it makes sense for Dallas to acquire Finney-Smith or someone like Nic Claxton, it's hard to envision a reality that Dallas gives the Nets something they value or a case where the Mavericks aren't overpaying for these players.

Finney-Smith is someone who Luka Doncic would love to be teammates with again, but a trade between Dallas and Brooklyn seems easier said than done.

For all the latest on the Dallas Mavericks and their potential moves at the trade deadline, stay tuned.