Dallas Mavericks: Three Trade Candidates Entering the 2024-25 NBA Season
*October 21, 2024 – Dallas, TX* – As the NBA season begins, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at an important crossroads. After a 2023-24 season that fell short of expectations, the Mavericks are eager to build around superstar Luka Doncic, whose talent has redefined the franchise. With Kyrie Irving returning and a revamped supporting cast, the Mavericks have improved their roster. But there are still lingering questions about depth, defensive consistency, and overall roster fit, leading to speculation about potential trades. Here are three Mavericks players who could be trade candidates as the season progresses.
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### 1. **Tim Hardaway Jr. – Shooting Guard**
**Contract Situation:** 2 years, $34 million remaining
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a valuable shooter and scorer off the bench for Dallas, but his role has evolved, and with the team reorienting around Doncic and Irving, Hardaway’s high salary makes him a prime trade candidate. Known for his shooting streaks and veteran experience, Hardaway could offer significant value to a team seeking scoring depth. However, his consistency issues and defensive limitations may mean he’s no longer the ideal fit for the Mavericks’ plans.
The Mavericks are focused on building a defensively sound roster around Doncic and Irving, and Hardaway’s contributions on that front have been limited. His role has fluctuated, especially with the addition of younger, more defensive-minded wings who can switch on multiple positions, which has led to speculation that Hardaway’s time in Dallas could be winding down. The Mavericks may prioritize players who complement Doncic’s playmaking style, and Hardaway’s contract could be moved to bring in a versatile forward or additional rim protection.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams like the **Miami Heat** or **Los Angeles Lakers**, both of whom are often in need of reliable perimeter shooting and bench scoring, could have interest. A trade could see Dallas targeting a veteran defensive wing or a big man who can protect the rim and switch on defense, adding more versatility and reliability alongside Doncic and Irving. Additionally, Dallas could package Hardaway with a future draft pick to sweeten a deal, making him an attractive asset for teams looking for scoring while taking on his contract.
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### 2. **Richaun Holmes – Center**
**Contract Situation:** 1 year, $12 million remaining with a player option for 2025-26
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Acquired in the offseason, Richaun Holmes was expected to help shore up the Mavericks’ interior defense and provide rebounding. Holmes, known for his energy, rebounding, and athleticism, is a solid veteran who can thrive in the pick-and-roll and play an efficient game around the rim. However, with younger bigs like Dereck Lively II getting minutes and the possibility of Dallas adding more defensive depth, Holmes’ role could diminish as the season progresses.
Holmes may find himself expendable if Dallas seeks to acquire a more dynamic defender at the center position or looks to add shooting and versatility on the wing. Holmes has struggled with consistency in recent years, and while he still has value, the Mavericks’ commitment to youth and speed on the court might limit his playing time. Moving Holmes for a piece that more closely fits their immediate needs would allow the Mavericks to retain cap flexibility while upgrading key positions.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams like the **Chicago Bulls** or **Charlotte Hornets**, both looking for interior rebounding and rim protection, might find value in Holmes as a rotational big. In exchange, the Mavericks could pursue a two-way wing player or a combo guard to complement Doncic. Another possibility is packaging Holmes with a draft asset to acquire a big who has more defensive upside, enabling Dallas to fortify its paint presence and improve its defensive standing against elite frontcourts in the Western Conference.
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### 3. **Jaden Hardy – Shooting Guard**
**Contract Situation:** 2 years, $2.5 million remaining
**Why He’s a Trade Candidate:**
Jaden Hardy is a promising young scorer who has shown flashes of his offensive skill set. As a second-year player, Hardy is on a cost-effective contract and has demonstrated potential as a reliable scorer off the bench, but he is somewhat redundant in a backcourt that already features Doncic and Irving. Although Hardy’s shooting and scoring touch are valuable, the Mavericks might look to trade him while his value is high to fill other pressing needs.
Dallas’s front office must weigh Hardy’s development timeline against their immediate goals of building a contending team around Doncic and Irving. If the Mavericks are seeking a “win-now” piece, Hardy could be one of the first players moved, as his combination of upside and low salary make him attractive to rebuilding teams or those looking for scoring depth. Trading Hardy could open the door for Dallas to acquire a more experienced role player who can make an impact on both ends of the court.
**Potential Suitors and Trade Scenarios:**
Teams like the **Detroit Pistons** or **Orlando Magic**, who are looking for young offensive talent and have some defensive-minded wings, could be interested in acquiring Hardy. Dallas could package Hardy in a deal for a two-way player who complements Doncic’s skill set and offers improved defensive versatility. This would be an attractive option for the Mavericks, as it allows them to upgrade their roster with a more established piece without committing significant cap space.
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### Strategic Goals Behind Potential Trades
The Mavericks have two primary objectives heading into the 2024-25 season: maximizing Doncic’s prime by surrounding him with complementary talent and creating a more defensively balanced roster. Here’s how each trade candidate aligns with these goals:
– **Cap Flexibility and Roster Balance:** Moving Hardaway or Holmes could free up salary space while bringing back pieces that fit better alongside Doncic and Irving, whether it’s through versatile defenders or athletic bigs who can run the floor. This would help Dallas sustain competitiveness in the deep Western Conference.
– **Win-Now Talent for Immediate Impact:** Trading Hardy may be a tougher call, as he represents a valuable asset for the future. However, if Dallas determines they need a stronger veteran presence for a playoff push, Hardy’s value could be leveraged to acquire a player who can contribute immediately on both ends of the floor.
– **Reinforcing Defensive Identity:** The Mavericks have struggled defensively over recent seasons, and bringing in players who offer defensive stability would significantly improve their chances against top-tier Western Conference teams. Each potential trade could bring Dallas closer to the kind of balanced team that can make a deep playoff run.
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### Final Thoughts: Is Dallas Ready to Make Bold Moves?
The Mavericks have little margin for error. With Doncic entering his prime and Irving complementing his scoring, this season may be the Mavericks’ best shot at building a contender. If Dallas moves one or more of these trade candidates, it signals their commitment to maximizing their current roster and addressing weaknesses before the playoffs.
With the trade deadline still months away, Dallas will have time to evaluate their current squad, but early-season performances will undoubtedly shape how aggressively the front office approaches potential deals. For a team eager to redefine itself as a perennial contender, making the right trades this season could set the Mavericks on a path to greater success in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
