The Dallas Mavericks enter the 2024 NBA All-Star break as one of the hottest teams in the league. They headed into the suspension on a six-game winning streak, which improved their record to 32 wins and 23 losses. This is good enough for seventh place in the Western Conference, and they are four games out of the top four in the playoffs.
But just because the Mavs are firing on all cylinders doesn't mean everyone is guaranteed to be back next season. Between trades and free agency, a lot can change throughout the NBA offseason. While players like Luka Doncic are expected to be active in the near future, there are others who are playing for their jobs between now and the playoffs.
With that in mind, here are three Mavericks likely to play their final campaign in Big D.
There was a time when Mavericks fans didn't even know if Tim Hardaway Jr. would be with the Mavericks this season. After all, the veteran wing player was involved in numerous offseason trade rumors, but nothing ever materialized.
Hardaway has overcome the rumors and is making solid contributions in his sixth year with the Mavericks. He is averaging 17.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists and is making a career-high 3.2 threes on 36.5 percent shooting per game. Considering the lack of scoring ability beyond Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Hardaway's contributions are well-received.
But still, it wouldn't be surprising if the former Michigan Wolverine moved on this offseason. Hardaway still has just over $16.1 million remaining on his contract for the 2024-25 season, which is the amount of cap money the Mavericks could use to acquire a third star who could play alongside Doncic and Irving. The fact that he only has one year left on his contract could be a selling point for suitors who don't want to sign a 31-year-old senior.
Fans will always appreciate Hardaway's time with the team, but I'm sure fans are willing to lose him if it means adding a better player this summer.
