Dallas Mavericks trade grade: Grab Jaden Hardy in 2022 NBA Draft for 2 future picks

The Dallas Mavericks were rumored to be looking to get back into the 2022 NBA Draft after trading both of their picks, and they did just that.

Dallas sent two future second-round selections to the Sacramento Kings for the 37th overall pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. Callie Caplan reported that they traded picks are in 2024 and 2028. The Mavs made the deal to select Jaden Hardy, who played for the G League Ignite last season.

Jaden Hardy started the 2021-2022 season as a lottery pick in most mocks, but he struggled in his lone season with the G League Ignite. How did the Mavericks do in this deal?

Dallas Mavericks trade grade: Grab Jaden Hardy in 2022 NBA Draft for 2 future picks

Hardy averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.2 minutes per game during the 12 games of the G League Showcase. He struggled to find his shot and committed too many turnovers, but his ability to handle the ball and score were on full display.

Hardy’s numbers improved during the Ignite tour where he averaged over 21 points per game with nearly four rebounds and assists over 13 contests. The 19-year-old has plenty of upside as a scorer and shot creator.

There are questions about the 6’4 guard’s defense, but Hardy could become a sixth-man scorer, which would be a steal with the 37th overall pick. Dallas plans on contending for the championship, so both second-round picks they moved on from will likely be near the end of the draft.

Dallas Mavericks trade grade for Jaden Hardy deal: A

The Mavericks traded into the second round to get a player they believe in. Jaden Hardy was the last player in the green room on Thursday night, and most experts had him as a first-round selection. For Dallas to grab him at 37th overall at the cost of two what should be late second-round picks was a win.

Jaden Hardy is a teenager that will not be ready for NBA minutes next season. He will be the star of the Mavs summer league team, and the 6’4 guard should hand out plenty of buckets in Vegas. Next season, most of his minutes will come with the Texas Legends, but Jaden Hardy has the upside to be a key rotation player for a decade-plus.

Dallas Mavericks general manager and president of basketball operation Nico Harrison did it again. He made another wise trade that improves the team’s roster. Harrison and the Mavs earned an A for this trade, and Hardy is the first draft pick made by the former Nike executive. His development will be something to watch closely in the years to come.