Some NBA teams have a clear path forward. We know what they’ve got to do – it’s simply a matter of them doing it. Others have a less clear path. They could justify a number of decisions. All we can do is wait to see which decision they make.
Take the Dallas Mavericks. They need to upgrade their roster – that’s their entire purgative. This team is firmly in win-now mode. The Mavericks have a ready-made offense with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving on the roster. Now, they need to put the right supporting players around their star duo.
What about the Toronto Raptors? Their path forward is less obvious. This team could rebuild, or they could make a win-now push. Perhaps that’s why they’re surrounded by so many rumors. Could they make a move to acquire Jaden Hardy from the Mavericks?
The Trade Proposal
Dallas Mavericks Receive: F Jalen McDaniels, 2026 Second-Round Pick (TOR), 2027 Second-Round Pick (TOR), 2028 Second-Round Pick (TOR)
Toronto Raptors receive: G Dante Exum, G Jaden Hardy
The path wasn’t always so clear for the Mavericks. Meanwhile, it used to be clearer for the Raptors. That’s life in the NBA. Things change quickly. Often, a team’s fate can rest on the shoulders of a single free agent.
The Raptors know that situation all too well. A few summers ago, this team was coming off of an NBA title run. They were hoping to retain Kawhi Leonard as a free agent. They couldn’t – Leonard opted for his hometown Los Angeles Clippers. From that moment onwards, the path has gotten murkier for the Raptors.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jaden Hardy, Dallas Mavericks & Toronto Raptors Updates
The Mavericks managed to avoid that fate this summer. Kyrie Irving stayed with the organization. That’s why Dallas needs to improve their roster. The expectations are high here – if the Mavericks fall short of expectations, it wouldn’t be a shock to see Doncic eventually force his way out of town. Could acquiring McDaniels help them accomplish their goals?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
We think so. McDaniels is ready to be a win-now contributor. He’s a solid 3-and-D wing. Meanwhile, McDaniels is only 25. It’s entirely possible that he’ll improve. If so, he could be a huge contributor to this Dallas team.
Will Hardy? It doesn’t feel likely. He’s a young player with plenty of potential, but he’s still got developmental work to do. Contending teams like Dallas typically have a difficult time giving a player like Hardy the room that he needs to grow. By contrast, McDaniels is more of a supporting player – he doesn’t need the ball to thrive. All told, he’s a better fit for the roster.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jaden Hardy, Dallas Mavericks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, Dallas should be happy to land a trio of second-round picks as well. We saw at this year’s deadline that second-rounders can be used to facilitate deals for meaningful role players. Should the Raptors give so many up to acquire Hardy?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
We’ll see what the future holds for the Raptors. Only a fool would make assumptions about this team. It doesn’t feel like the Raptors want a long-term rebuild. At the same time, they could eventually decide that their hands are forced.
After all, this team is lacking a shot-creating guard. The Raptors struggled to generate offense in half-court sets last season. That happens to be Hardy’s specialist. If he hits his ceiling in Toronto, he could be a perfect co-star for Scottie Barnes. Barnes would be the primary playmaker, with Hardy taking on more shot-creation duties.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jaden Hardy, Dallas Mavericks & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, second-round picks are more valuable to contending teams than rebuilding clubs. The Raptors already have a surplus of young talent, and they’ll be looking to add more in the first round in the coming years. They won’t be able to use most of these picks to draft and develop players. If they decide to take a rebuilding path, flipping these picks with McDaniels for Hardy is the obvious choice.
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