Tim Hardaway Jr. has a deal to play for the Dallas Mavericks through the end of Season 2020-21, but the veteran guard is not expected to go anywhere. He will enter free agency next year, but it is expected that the Mavericks will offer him an extension.
Hardaway's $70.9 million contract is a carry-over from the New York Knicks following a trade in January 2019 that was first thought a disadvantage to the 27-year-old. In Dallas, there was no clue at all that the seven-year veteran will flourish, but he proved he could deliver and do more.
According to The Athletic, Hardaway has blossomed with the Mavericks and "reaching new heights."
"He's easily claimed his role as the Mavericks' third leading scorer, chipping in about 15 points per game behind the expected contributions from the star duo ahead of him," added the report.
Hardaway has made a convincing case that his presence on the floor helps out the two Dallas superstars - Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.
He is a stable component of the team and only missed three games in the season. But perhaps the most valuable thing about Hardaway cannot be measured by statistics. He is a presence that commands respect in the locker room.
The Athletic Hardaway boasts of experience over most of his teammates, and he makes sure that his wisdom counts to inspire the rest of the crew.
This early, it seemed assured that Dallas and Hardaway will be working beyond 2021. According to Clutch Points, the two parties appeared headed for an agreement as they have "a mutual interest in a long-term contract being forged this summer."
Even Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was visibly impressed and why not when in just a short time, Hardaway proved that he is a valuable starter. His partnership with Doncic has made the Mavs a force to reckon with in the Western Conference, and they are in the playoffs.
The numbers for the shooting guard indicated he could be depended on for the postseason matches. Hardaway averages 15.3 points per game with 2.1 assists and 3.1 rebounds. His accuracy is at 44 percent and is only seen to make an uptick for the bruising playoffs series.
It's hard to imagine now that Dallas will want to part ways with Hardaway, who is now considered a stellar addition to the Mavericks lineup. The way he proved he can make things happen came as a surprise, but it is a welcome one.
As Cuban shared: "I would be lying if (I said) I thought he would be this good."
That's the Mavs owner declaring that giving more years for THJ in Dallas is something he will sanction anytime.
