top of page

Summary

After being viewed as a negative contract as recently as a year ago, Hardaway has played well for the Mavericks and now may even opt out of the final year of his contract and become a free agent in 2020 in order to cash in on the best year of his career. Hardaway shot 41% from three this past season, by far the best mark of his career. He also lowered the amount of midrange jumpers he took, while still making a good percentage from that area.

 

Hardaway has shown he can be a spotup threat alongside an elite talent like Luka Doncic, while still creating shots for himself as a secondary playmaker. If Hardaway opts for free agency, he would become one of the best wings on the market. However, it's difficult to see a great fit for him outside of Dallas. Among the teams with cap space, most are young rebuilding teams that may not have interest in Hardaway.

 

Meanwhile, the Mavericks may not have interest in bringing Hardaway back on a long-term contract, as they may want to save cap space for 2021. If Hardaway opts out, I would not be surprised if he and the Mavericks reach a compromise and Hardaway signs a large one-year deal to remain in Dallas.

Cap Considerations

Hardaway has a player option for his $19 million salary in 2020-2021, and will be an unrestricted free agent with a $30 million cap hold and full Bird rights if he opts out. If Hardaway opts out, the Mavericks could have a significant amount of cap space, but only if Hardaway leaves.

 

If Hardaway is re-signed on a multi-year contract, front-loading his contract could be benefical for the Mavs, as it could give them more flexiblity in the future (similar to what the Sacramento Kings did with Harrison Barnes last summer), depending on how much cap space they want to save for 2021.

 

Hardaway will certainly demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.3 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which means only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Hardaway and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

Potential Teams: Mavericks, Hornets, Pistons, Heat, Magic

Predicted Contract: Opt-In: $19 million

If opt out: 1-year, $22 million with the Mavericks

Actual Contract: Opt-In: $19 million

Hardaway opted in as expected, and should be able to turn open looks created by Doncic into another good year and a good contract next summer.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

bottom of page