NBA Rumors: Mavericks To Make Starter Available For Trade

We reported on Sunday that the Cleveland Cavaliers have set a target of one of two players to add to their roster, to beef up their wing spot. Tim Hardaway Jr. is one of those names. And according to NBA Insider Marc Stein, despite THJ's sizzling hot run of late, the Dallas Mavericks are willing to talk.

League sources have reaffirmed to me that Hardaway is indeed available and that it’s essentially up to the Cavaliers if they are prepared to take on the two years and $34.1 million left on Hardaway's contract beyond this season.

How important has Hardaway Jr. been to the Mavericks' recent run to the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference? 

the Dallas Mavericks are 13-0 when Tim Hardaway Jr shoots 46% or better from the field pic.twitter.com/jUVXHaZAdA

— Slightly Biased (@BiasedSlightly) January 3, 2023

Dallas is 13-0 when THJ shoots 46% or better from the field. And with his recent run of shooting 40.5% from 3-point range in the last 22 games, and moving into the starting lineup, his value has only increased. 

Will the Cavaliers step up to meet Dallas' price? 

The thought is that it would have to start with Caris LeVert and his expiring $18.8M contract. Hardaway's salary is similar, but as noted earlier, he still has $34M remaining after this season for two more years. 

Photo: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports