Dallas Mavericks Ready to Make Bold Moves? Three Trade Candidates Entering the 2024-25 NBA Season For Mavericks
Dallas Mavericks at a Crossroads: Trade Candidates for the 2024 Season
As the NBA season kicks off, the Dallas Mavericks are facing a critical moment. Following a 2023-24 season that didn’t meet expectations, the team is eager to build around superstar Luka Dončić, whose extraordinary talent has transformed the franchise. With Kyrie Irving back and an enhanced supporting cast, the Mavericks have made strides in improving their roster. However, questions remain about their depth, defensive consistency, and overall fit, leading to speculation about potential trades. Here are three Mavericks players who could be on the trading block as the season unfolds.
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1. Tim Hardaway Jr. – Shooting Guard**
**Contract Status:** 2 years, $34 million left
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a key shooter and scorer off the bench for Dallas, but his role is shifting as the team focuses on Dončić and Irving. With a hefty salary, he stands out as a likely trade candidate. His experience and ability to score in bursts could be valuable for teams in need of bench scoring. However, his inconsistency and defensive weaknesses may not align with the Mavericks’ plans moving forward.
The Mavericks aim to construct a defensively robust team around their stars, and Hardaway’s defensive contributions have been limited. With the emergence of younger, more defensively oriented wings, there are indications that Hardaway’s time in Dallas may be coming to an end. The team might prioritize acquiring players who better complement Dončić’s playmaking, and moving Hardaway could facilitate the addition of a versatile forward or bolster rim protection.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams like the **Miami Heat** and **Los Angeles Lakers**, both in need of reliable perimeter shooting, could be interested in Hardaway. A trade might involve Dallas targeting a veteran defensive wing or a center capable of rim protection and defensive versatility. Additionally, the Mavericks could package Hardaway with a future draft pick to make the deal more enticing for teams seeking scoring while assuming his contract.
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2. Richaun Holmes – Center**
**Contract Status:** 1 year, $12 million remaining, plus a player option for 2025-26
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Richaun Holmes, acquired in the offseason, was expected to bolster the Mavericks’ interior defense and rebounding. Known for his energy and athleticism, Holmes is effective in pick-and-roll situations and finishing around the rim. However, with younger players like Dereck Lively II receiving playing time and the potential for adding more defensive depth, Holmes’ role could decline as the season progresses.
If the Mavericks aim to bring in a more dynamic center or enhance their wing shooting and versatility, Holmes could become expendable. While he still holds value, the team’s focus on youth and speed might limit his minutes. Trading Holmes for a piece that better fits their current needs would also help maintain salary cap flexibility.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams like the **Chicago Bulls** and **Charlotte Hornets**, both looking to improve their rebounding and rim protection, might see Holmes as a valuable rotational big. In return, the Mavericks could pursue a two-way wing or combo guard to complement Dončić. Another option could involve packaging Holmes with a draft pick to acquire a more defensively capable big man, strengthening their interior presence against tough Western Conference frontcourts.
3.Jaden Hardy – Shooting Guard**
**Contract Status:** 2 years, $2.5 million remaining
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Jaden Hardy is an exciting young scorer who has shown glimpses of his offensive potential. As a second-year player on a cost-effective contract, he has emerged as a reliable bench scorer. However, with Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving already anchoring the backcourt, Hardy’s role may become redundant. While his shooting ability is valuable, the Mavericks might consider trading him while his stock is high to address other pressing roster needs.
The Dallas front office faces the challenge of balancing Hardy’s development with the immediate goal of building a contending team around Dončić and Irving. If the Mavericks are looking to acquire “win-now” pieces, Hardy could be one of the first to go, as his blend of potential and low salary makes him appealing to teams in rebuilding phases or those seeking scoring depth. Moving Hardy could pave the way for Dallas to bring in a more experienced role player who can impact both ends of the court.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams such as the **Detroit Pistons** or **Orlando Magic**, who are in search of young offensive talent and possess some defensive-minded wings, could be interested in Hardy. Dallas might package Hardy in a trade for a two-way player who enhances Dončić’s skill set and provides improved defensive versatility. This would be a strategic move for the Mavericks, allowing them to bolster their roster with a more established player without significant cap implications.
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Strategic Goals Behind Potential Trades
The Mavericks enter the 2024-25 season with two key objectives: maximizing Dončić’s prime by surrounding him with complementary talent and creating a more balanced, defensively sound roster. Here’s how each potential trade candidate aligns with these goals:
– **Cap Flexibility and Roster Balance:** Trading Hardaway or Holmes could free up salary cap space while bringing in assets that better align with Dončić and Irving’s strengths. Acquiring versatile defenders or athletic big men who can run the floor would help the Mavericks remain competitive in the challenging Western Conference.
– **Win-Now Talent for Immediate Impact:** Although moving Hardy might be a tough decision due to his future potential, if the Mavericks conclude that they need a stronger veteran presence for a playoff push, they could leverage Hardy’s value to secure a player who can contribute right away on both ends of the court.
– **Reinforcing Defensive Identity:** The Mavericks have struggled defensively in recent seasons, and adding players who bring defensive stability could significantly enhance their competitiveness against top Western Conference teams. Each trade scenario could help Dallas cultivate the balanced roster necessary for a deep playoff run.
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Final Thoughts
The Mavericks find themselves with little room for error. With Dončić entering his prime and Irving providing strong support, this season represents a crucial opportunity for Dallas to build a contender. If the team decides to move one or more of these trade candidates, it would signal their commitment to optimizing their current roster and addressing weaknesses ahead of the playoffs.
While there’s still time before the trade deadline, early-season performances will undoubtedly influence how aggressively the front office pursues potential deals. For a team eager to establish itself as a perennial contender, making the right trades this season could set the Mavericks on a trajectory toward greater success in the highly competitive Western Conference.
