**Lakers Among Favorites to Trade for Mavericks Veteran Sharpshooter**
With the 2024 NBA Draft just around the corner, the Dallas Mavericks, known for their draft night trades, are likely to make significant moves. Last year, they made two key trades: moving back two spots to select Dereck Lively II and trading back into the first round to pick Olivier-Maxence Prosper. The previous year, they made a draft day blockbuster deal for Christian Wood.
This year, the Mavericks are poised for another big move, with one player standing out as the most likely to be traded: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Lakers Favored to Trade for Tim Hardaway Jr.
The Mavericks are actively looking to trade Tim Hardaway Jr. this summer, following his underwhelming performance in the playoffs and the latter half of the season. Dallas has been trying to move Hardaway Jr. for several seasons, and with his contract expiring, this summer presents the best opportunity.
Hardaway Jr. was frustrated with his role on the Mavericks and appears to need a fresh start. The Los Angeles Lakers are among the favorites to trade for him, alongside the Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, and Washington Wizards, according to Bovada. A trade involving Hardaway Jr. seems inevitable, and the Lakers would be a compelling destination.
Last season, there was speculation that Kyrie Irving might leave Dallas to join the Lakers and team up with LeBron James. Now, the two teams could engage in a trade centered around Hardaway Jr. The Lakers lack a pure sharpshooter, and despite Hardaway Jr.’s playoff struggles, a change of scenery could help him return to form.
During the regular season, Hardaway Jr. averaged 14.4 points per game and shot 35.3 percent from three-point range on high volume. He was even considered a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year at various points.
The future of Hardaway Jr. will become clearer over time, and trade talks between the Lakers and Mavericks could intensify depending on mutual interest.
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