Mavs' Jaden Hardy Potential Bulls Trade Target?

Jaden Hardy showed intriguing potential during his rookie campaign with the Mavs. He could draw trade interest around the NBA this summer.

DALLAS — As the Dallas Mavericks face a pivotal offseason following a 38-44 campaign that involved not even qualifying for the play-in tournament, the front office must be willing to take bold steps to bolster the supporting cast around Luka Doncic. 

The first step will be to retain the services of impending free agent Kyrie Irving. After that, improving the defense will be of utmost importance for the Mavs after giving up 116.1 points per 100 possessions (25th) on the season. Whether it be on-ball defense or rim protection, Dallas plans to address both areas.

As it stands, the Mavs are expected to trade the 10th overall pick in order to find the necessary established talent the team feels it needs. However, their 2027 first-round pick being the only future selection that can be outright traded in addition to this year's selection, the options are limited and are at risk of being exhausted for the foreseeable future. 

It would require the right trade offer to give the idea consideration, but Josh Green and Jaden Hardy are two young players the Mavs could garner trade interest around the league for this offseason. 

When identifying potential trade targets to address the Bulls' need at the point guard position, Jack Simons of Bulls Wire listed Hardy among seven total options. The general idea involves the Mavs receiving veteran defensive-stopper Alex Caruso in exchange for Hardy.

"Dallas may be hesitant to trade Hardy, but they should be willing to do anything possible to put a title contender around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving," Simone wrote. "If the Bulls offer Caruso, the Mavericks might bite."

It's understandable as to why the Bulls would benefit from adding Hardy. Despite not beginning his rookie season as a member of the Mavs' rotation, he capitalized when he received opportunities afforded to him by injuries. In 14 games in which he played 20 or more minutes, he averaged 18.9 points and 2.5 assists, while shooting 46 percent overall and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. 

Hardy's impact as his rookie season progressed has helped to solidify his value. In a recent re-draft of the 2022 class by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie, Hardy — who went 37th overall — jumped 20 spots and nearly made his way into the lottery at the 17th pick. When looking back at this class in the coming years, Hardy has a strong chance to quickly rise. 

One of the factors the Mavs must consider as far as Hardy is concerned is that few players on the roster are seemingly capable of stepping into large offensive roles when the situation calls for it. All it took was a few injuries and he went from being a DNP-CD on the bench to being the first option. 

For a team that intends to build around Doncic and presumably Irving, there will be missed games between the both of them. There has to be another guard in the rotation that can not only fit alongside them when sharing the floor, but can be bold and carry the responsibility as a top scoring option when playing without them.

Christian Wood isn't expected to return to the Mavs — making the need to retain a scoring option like Hardy all the more important. Hardy could fill an important bench role next season 

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Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for DallasBasketball.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth).

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