The Dallas Mavericks have agreed to trade Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Saddiq Bey, according to multiple reports. The move gives Dallas some financial flexibility and opens up a spot in the rotation for potential free-agent signing Otto Porter Jr.
The Dallas Mavericks have made a significant roster move by trading Tim Hardaway Jr. to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Saddiq Bey. The deal was first reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and has since been confirmed by both teams.
Mavs Complete Hardaway Jr. Deal with Pistons
Hardaway, 30, has spent the past two seasons in Dallas, averaging 14.2 points per game during that span. However, he has been a streaky shooter and has struggled with consistency at times.
The Pistons, on the other hand, are getting a proven scorer in Hardaway. He has averaged at least 14 points per game in each of the past six seasons and has shot over 40% from three-point range in three of his last four seasons.
For the Mavericks, the trade provides some financial flexibility. Hardaway was set to earn $18.2 million next season, while Bey is set to earn $5.5 million. This gives Dallas more room to maneuver in free agency, where they are targeting players like Otto Porter Jr. and Bruce Brown.
The trade also opens up a spot in the rotation for Bey, who is a promising young player. The 22-year-old averaged 12.7 points per game last season and shot 38.2% from three-point range. He is expected to take on a larger role with the Mavericks.
The Mavericks are coming off a disappointing season in which they finished 52-30 but lost in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs to the Phoenix Suns. They are hoping that the trade for Bey will help them take the next step and compete for a championship.
The Pistons, meanwhile, are in a rebuilding mode and are looking to add young talent. Bey is a key part of that plan, and they believe that he can develop into a solid player for them.
The trade is expected to be officially announced by both teams later today.
