Dallas Mavs' Tim Hardaway Jr. Reacts ‘Honestly’ to Trade Talk: ‘I Didn’t Know!’
The Dallas Mavericks had quite the busy offseason with a number of important additions to the roster, including re-signing Kyrie Irving, landing Grant Williams via a sign-and-trade, and drafting two first-rounders in Dereck Lively and O-Max Prosper.
One Maverick who many may have thought would be elsewhere come the start of this season is Tim Hardaway Jr.
On Friday at Mavs Media Day, Hardaway Jr. spoke on the 2023-24 season, including remaining in Dallas despite his name being involved in trade rumors throughout the summer.
"Yeah, I feel secure here now," Hardaway Jr. said.
Hardaway Jr. didn't elaborate much but he did mention during the offseason feeling uncertain of his future in Dallas and not knowing where he'd be come the start of the 2023-24 season.
Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. drives past Hawks center Clint Capela for a left-handed layup.
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
"I didn't know if I was going to be here, if I'm going to be honest with you," Hardaway Jr. said.
For Hardaway Jr., the uncertainty was 'motivating' as his name swirled in trade rumors surrounding the Luka Doncic-led Mavs as Dallas looked for an upgrade at the center position throughout the offseason.
"It was self-motivating," Hardaway Jr. said. "My peers being close to me. A lot of talks with my pops...it was just taking it in the moment and appreciating what you have and that's what I tried to do."
For Hardaway Jr. heading into this season, it sounds like he's back to his former sixth man role as a reserve alongside the likes of Seth Curry and Jaden Hardy as the Mavs look to have one of the more formidable scoring punches off the bench in the entire league.
