Detroit Pistons Acquire Tim Hardaway Jr. in Trade with Dallas Mavericks
ICARO Media Group
In a move to bolster their roster, the Detroit Pistons have acquired veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski broke the news, reporting that the Pistons traded guard Quentin Grimes in exchange for Hardaway and three future second-round picks. This marks the second trade between the Pistons and Mavericks in just 24 hours.
Earlier this week, the Pistons traded their No. 53 pick in this year's NBA draft to the Mavericks in order to move up to the No. 37 pick and also acquire Wendell Moore Jr. It seems the Pistons are determined to make strategic moves to improve their lineup for the upcoming season.
The acquisition of Tim Hardaway Jr. holds sentimental value, as the 11-year veteran returns to his home state of Michigan. Hardaway played collegiately at the University of Michigan from 2010 to 2013, and was a key player in the Wolverines' run to the 2013 NCAA Championship. Selected as the 24th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft by the New York Knicks, Hardaway has since had stints with the Knicks, Hawks, and most recently, the Mavericks.
Last season, Hardaway appeared in 79 games for the Mavericks, primarily coming off the bench. He averaged 14.4 points and 2.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his scoring prowess. Throughout his career, Hardaway has maintained an average of 14 points and shot 36% on 3-pointers.
The addition of Hardaway brings a seasoned presence to the Pistons' young roster. His experience in the playoffs and NBA Finals, having recently faced off against the Boston Celtics in the championship series, will be invaluable for the team.
The move aligns with the vision of Pistons' president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon, who emphasized a willingness to take on contracts as long as draft assets were included. By acquiring Hardaway, the Pistons not only gain a veteran voice but also gain financial flexibility, as Hardaway's contract is set to expire next season.
On the other side of the trade, the Pistons bid farewell to Quentin Grimes, whom they acquired in a multi-player deal with the New York Knicks earlier this year. Grimes struggled with knee injuries during his tenure in Detroit, limiting his playing time to only six games. With uncertainty surrounding his potential contributions, the Pistons made the decision to part ways with Grimes.
The acquisition of Tim Hardaway Jr. exemplifies the Pistons' commitment to bolstering their squad as they gear up for the upcoming season. The team now has a total of $47 million in cap space following this trade, providing them with room to make further moves in the future. With a seasoned veteran like Hardaway in their ranks, the Pistons aim to make a splash in the NBA next season.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Detroit Pistons as they continue to shape their roster ahead of the new season.