In a strategic move to bolster their backcourt depth, the Dallas Mavericks have officially reached an agreement with guard Jaden Hardy on a lucrative three-year contract worth $18 million. This deal ensures that Hardy will continue to play a key role alongside stars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson as the Mavericks gear up for the upcoming NBA season.
The announcement comes as the Mavericks seek to solidify their roster, especially after the unfortunate injury to Dante Exum, who will be sidelined indefinitely due to wrist surgery. Hardy’s role as a reliable backup becomes even more critical as the defending Western Conference champions prepare to kick off their season against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday night.
Originally drafted by the Mavericks after they traded into the second round, Hardy opted to bypass college to play for the G League Ignite, showcasing his talent early on. Over the past two seasons, he has averaged 7.9 points across 121 games, demonstrating potential but facing challenges with inconsistent playing time during the Mavericks’ playoff run last year, where they fell to the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals.
This new contract not only secures Hardy’s position with the team but also prevents him from entering restricted free agency next summer. As the Mavericks look to build on their recent success and deepen their roster, Hardy’s continued development could prove vital in their quest for another shot at the title.
With the season just around the corner, fans are eager to see how Hardy will contribute to a team poised for greatness, aiming to improve upon last year’s remarkable playoff performance.
