In the electrifying world of NBA trade speculations, whispers surrounding the Dallas Mavericks are turning up the heat as the trade deadline looms closer. The Mavericks, hungry for a defensive facelift after narrowly missing the play-in spot last season, have been on a rollercoaster of improvements and setbacks. Hardaway Jr.’s fate, now hanging in the balance, takes centre stage as the Mavericks confront the challenge of fortifying their defence in the wake of recent injuries to Maxi Kleber and Dwight Powell. This defensive dilemma intensifies the stakes for the Mavericks, pushing them to explore bold moves in their quest for a postseason resurgence.
Hardaway Jr.’s Fate Hangs in the Balance
Despite welcoming new talents like Lively, Williams, and Jones, the Mavericks find themselves languishing at the 20th spot in defensive rating (116.5) and a dismal 26th in defensive rebounds (31.6). The power forward position remains a focal point, with names like Dorian Finney-Smith, Isaiah Stewart, Pascal Siakam, and Jerami Grant floating in the rumor mill.
However, their pursuit of defensive prowess comes at a cost. The Mavericks, strapped for future draft assets, might have to part ways with a heavy hitter, potentially sacrificing the likes of the sharpshooting Tim Hardaway Jr., as suggested by Mark Deeks HoopsHype.
“Tim Hardaway Jr. is more than just a shooter; he’s a crucial piece of the puzzle for Dallas. Yet, his $16,193,183 salary for 2024/25 could be the golden ticket in sealing a transformative deal,” reports Deeks. The mammoth challenge lies in justifying Hardaway Jr.’s hefty $75,000,000 contract, but his recent scorching form and emergence as a Sixth Man of the Year contender (+155) might sweeten the deal.
The 6’5″ dynamo, a bench stalwart, has been the Mavericks’ secret weapon, but the question lingers – is the sacrifice worth it to fortify the leaky defense? The anticipation builds, with fans wondering who could fill the void left by Hardaway Jr.
Enter Quentin Grimes, the towering guard from the New York Knicks, catching the Mavericks’ eye. Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reveals that the Mavs have “expressed interest” in Grimes, whose 6-foot-8 wingspan promises to disrupt passing lanes and inject size into the team. A defensive-minded shooting guard, Grimes boasts versatility in long-range shooting and rim attacks.
But that’s not all; the Mavericks are eyeing a potential reunion with Dorian Finney-Smith to shore up their perimeter defense. In the current season, Finney-Smith has been a reliable contributor, notching averages of 9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game. His career-high 40.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc makes him a coveted 3-and-D player, an eight-year veteran ready to be snatched up.
The spice doesn’t end there; whispers link the Mavericks to the Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins. A move for Wiggins seems like a steal if it weren’t for his eye-watering four-year, $109 million extension and a performance dip this season.
As the Mavericks weigh their options, the NBA community eagerly awaits the fireworks that could unfold in the Lone Star State. Will Dallas bid farewell to a beloved sharpshooter in their quest for defensive dominance, or will they find the missing piece to propel them into contention? The stakes are high, and the drama is set to unfold with the trade deadline drawing near. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in this Mavericks saga.
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