The Dallas Mavericks have made a move to retool their roster, trading Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round draft picks to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Quentin Grimes.
The deal, which is pending the start of the new league year on July 6, will provide the Mavericks with much-needed financial flexibility to cross the free agency market.
Hardaway, a 32-year-old shooting guard, was a key contributor to the Mavericks’ Western Conference championship season, averaging 14.4 points and 1.8 assists per game.
However, his role had diminished since the midseason acquisitions of P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford. Hardaway’s departure will free up cap space, allowing the Mavericks to pursue high-profile free agents.
Grimes, a 24-year-old shooting guard, has shown promise in his young career, averaging 8.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists across 168 games. He was drafted 25th total by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021 before being traded to the New York Knicks.
Grimes’ athleticism and shooting ability make him a valuable asset for the Mavericks, who are looking to build around their core of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. The trade marks a serious shift in the Mavericks’ roster construction, as they look to build a championship contender.
General manager Nico Harrison now has the financial flexibility to make strategic moves in free agency, poised to shape the team’s future and bolster their championship aspirations. With Grimes on board, the Mavericks are poised to make a remarkable impact in the Western Conference next season.