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Did the Mavericks make a mistake trading away Tim Hardaway Jr. after his stellar performances?

Tim Hardaway Jr. has spent several years carving out a name for himself in the NBA. Known for his sharpshooting skills and offensive versatility, he’s been a key figure on various teams, most recently with the Dallas Mavericks. His journey through the league has seen him step up when needed, often providing much-needed scoring depth for his teams.

As his career evolves, his impact continues to resonate both on and off the court. As such, let’s take a look at how it has impacted his finances.

How much is Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract with the Detroit Pistons? Looking into his trade from the Dallas Mavericks

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In the summer of 2021, Hardaway signed a significant four-year deal worth $75 million with the Mavericks, essentially solidifying his place as a reliable veteran. Or at least the 32-year-old thought so. Tim’s tenure in Dallas took an unexpected turn in October 2024. After years of proving his worth as a key contributor, Hardaway found himself traded to the Detroit Pistons in a deal that surprised many.

In return, Dallas acquired Quentin Grimes, along with three future second-round draft picks. With the Pistons, Hardaway will earn $16.1 million for the 2024-25 season, bringing his total earnings to an impressive $154,599,404, a testament to his sustained success in the league.

This move, while financially motivated by the Mavs’ salary cap adjustments, opened a fresh chapter for the 32-year-old sharpshooter. The ‘Motor City,’ a team in need of veteran leadership, now looks to Hardaway to bring both experience and scoring to their youthful roster. Despite the change, Hardaway’s commitment to his craft hasn’t wavered.

Hardaway Jr.’s impact on the Dallas Mavericks: A six-year offensive force

It wouldn’t be a stretch to say that the 2013 first-round pick had a notable tenure with the Mavs, contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Known for his ability to score in bursts, Hardaway was often a key contributor, especially during stretches when the Mavericks needed scoring outside of their stars like Luka Dončić.

What’s your perspective on:

Did the Mavericks make a mistake trading away Tim Hardaway Jr. after his stellar performances?

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In 352 games over six years, Timothy Duane Hardaway Jr. consistently contributed an average of 15.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game, shooting 41.7% from the field and 37.3% from beyond the arc, while playing nearly 29 minutes per game. Moreover, the 2023-24 season saw a historic feat from the 6’5 forward/guard.

In a mid-January battle with the New Orleans Pelicans, Hardaway finished with a massive 41 points, stepping up in Luka’s absence. And combined with Kyrie Irving’s 42 points, the two became the second pair in Dallas’ history where there are two 40-point scorers in a single game.

Hardaway’s versatility allowed him to take on various roles, from being the second scoring option behind Luka Dončić to playing a more complementary role when the team’s offense required it. He was instrumental in the Mavericks’ playoff runs and contributed in high-pressure games, often as a spark off the bench.

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Take, for example, Tim’s 17 points in Game 2 win over the OKC Thunder last season. With Maxi Kleber out with a separated shoulder in the first round of the playoffs, Tim Hardaway Jr. came off the bench, to help ignite the Mavs to a 119-110 win. A prime example of how the Michigan alum can provide a jolt when the team needed it most.

Throughout his time with Dallas, Hardaway solidified himself as a reliable shooter, particularly from three-point range, and was a key figure in Dallas’ offensive schemes. While his scoring wasn’t always consistent, his ability to stretch defenses with his perimeter shooting made him an invaluable asset for the Mavs during his years there.

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