Mavericks Trade Tim Hardaway Jr. and Picks to Pistons for Quentin Grimes
The Dallas Mavericks and Detroit Pistons have completed a trade, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, with veteran wing Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round draft picks heading to Detroit in exchange for swingman Quentin Grimes.
The three draft picks involved in the trade include Toronto’s 2025 second-round pick and two second-rounders in 2028. Dallas, having previously traded its own 2028 second-round pick, will send Miami’s selection and the least favorable pick between the Clippers’ and Hornets’ for that year to Detroit.
Marc Stein initially reported the potential transaction on Tuesday, highlighting that moving Hardaway was crucial for the Mavericks to retain starting small forward Derrick Jones. Dallas holds only Non-Bird rights on Jones, limiting their ability to offer more than a 20% raise above the minimum salary without utilizing their mid-level exception.
By trading away Tim Hardaway Jr.’s expiring contract worth $16.2 million and acquiring Quentin Grimes, who is set to earn approximately $4.3 million next season, Dallas will generate nearly $15 million in cap space below the first tax apron. This move enables the Mavericks to fully utilize the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, projected at around $12.9 million, which they can use on Tyus Jones or another player.
In addition to gaining financial flexibility, Dallas acquires Quentin Grimes, a promising young player who showcased potential in the 2022-23 season with averages of 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 29.9 minutes across 71 games, shooting .468/.386/.796. Despite reduced playing time in New York last season and a limited six-game stint with Detroit due to injury, Grimes is eligible for a rookie scale extension this offseason, entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Meanwhile, new Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon has emphasized the team’s readiness to absorb undesirable contracts when coupled with valuable assets. While the previous administration viewed Grimes as a potential long-term asset, Langdon prioritized the draft picks acquired in this trade.
Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed significantly last season, averaging 14.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 26.8 minutes per game over 79 appearances, with shooting percentages of .402/.353/.852. Despite a reduced role in the playoffs, his tenure in Dallas was considered likely to end.
The Pistons’ plans regarding Hardaway for the upcoming 2024-25 season remain uncertain, but they have expressed interest in adding veteran talent and shooting, where Hardaway, a career 36.0% three-point shooter, could potentially fit in. Even after acquiring Hardaway, Detroit is projected to maintain approximately $50 million in cap space, as reported by ESPN’s Bobby Marks.
Leave a Reply