5 Mavericks who are playing for their future in Dallas

3. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway Jr. is the only player on this list that has years left on his contract. The 31-year-old does not become a free agent until 2025, and he is owed $34.1 million over the next two seasons combined. THJ is playing for his future in Dallas from a fit perspective. The Mavs reportedly shopped him ahead of the trade deadline, and they want more 3-and-D oriented wings flanking their superstar duo.

Hardaway Jr. is a shot-maker, but he has never been known for his defense. The 6’5 wing is averaging 16.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 30.0 minutes per game since the trade, while starting seven of his 13 games played. He is shooting 45.7 percent from the field and 50.0 percent on his 3-point tries over that stretch.

Can THJ prove he fits playing 30 minutes per game next to Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving or do the Dallas Mavericks put him back on the trade market this summer to try to upgrade their roster? Hardaway Jr. is the third-highest-paid Maverick this season, and his deal could be used as a salary-matcher if Dallas finds an upgrade this summer.

Tim Hardaway Jr. is certainly playing for his future in Dallas. Can he prove that he remains a key piece on the new-look Mavericks?