The 2024 NBA Draft is less than 24 hours away, and the Dallas Mavericks, known for making draft night trades, may be poised for another significant move.
Last year, Dallas traded back two spots to select Dereck Lively II and then traded back into the first round to select Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The previous year, they made a draft day blockbuster trade for Christian Wood.
This year, Dallas might be looking to make another big splash, with one player in particular appearing more likely than others to be moved this summer.
Lakers Among Favorites to Trade for Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Mavericks are looking to trade Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer, and after his poor performance in the playoffs and the second half of the season, this should come as no surprise.
Dallas has been trying to trade Hardaway Jr. for multiple seasons now, and this summer offers the best chance to move him since he is on an expiring contract. Hardaway Jr. was frustrated with his role with the Mavericks, indicating a need for a fresh start.
The Los Angeles Lakers are among the favorites to trade for Hardaway Jr., according to Bovada, alongside the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards. A trade involving Hardaway Jr. seems inevitable for the Mavs, and the Lakers would be an intriguing destination for him.
Last season, some fans speculated that Kyrie Irving might leave Dallas to join the Lakers and team up with LeBron James. Now, the two teams could potentially engage in a trade this summer involving Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Lakers are in need of a pure sharpshooter, and although Hardaway Jr. struggled in the playoffs, a change of scenery could help him return to form. During the regular season, Hardaway Jr. averaged 14.4 points per game while shooting 35.3 percent from downtown on high volume. At certain points in the season, he was even considered a contender for Sixth Man of the Year.
Only time will tell where Hardaway Jr. ends up, but trade discussions between the Lakers and Mavericks could intensify based on their mutual interest.
For all the latest updates on Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, stay tuned.