Tim Hardaway Jr. Gets Brutally Honest About Mavs Trade Rumors

The Dallas Mavericks are fresh off a disappointing 2022-23 season. Still, the team has high hopes for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign. With training camp right around the corner, Dallas may not be done making moves. One player who’s been mentioned in NBA trade rumors is Tim Hardaway Jr.

“I didn’t know if I was going to be here if I’m going to be honest with you,” Hardaway said during Mavs’ Media Day, per Grant Afseth of DallasBasketball.com. “I took that time to definitely lock-in, control what I could control, work my tail off, stay healthy, and come back better than ever. I feel secure here now.”

Hardaway, 31, is talented. He’s not going to lead an offense, but Hardaway is a valuable role player. He also offers veteran prowess, having played in the NBA since 2013. He’s spent time with the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks in addition to the Mavericks.

Hardaway appeared in 71 games during the 2022-23 campaign, averaging 14.4 points per contest on 40.1 percent field goal and 38.5 percent three-point shooting. He also added 3.5 rebounds per game.

The Mavs understand Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will lead the charge. Filling out the roster with depth is important though. Keeping a player like Hardaway will only help matters moving forward. He should be in line for another strong performance since he feels “secure” in Dallas now.

Mavs head coach Jason Kidd shared a challenge he gave the shooting guard heading into the new season, via 91.7 The Freak.

“I’m excited again for Timmy, looking to talk to him about being Sixth Man of the Year,” Kidd said. “That would help our team and put us in a really good seat if he’s up for Sixth Man of the Year. I think he’s capable of doing that.”

Hardaway will be a player to watch as the Mavericks look to rebound in 2023-24.