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Summary
Hardaway had the best year of his career in his first full season in Dallas in '19-'20, and built on that success this past year heading into free agency this summer. Playing next to Luka Doncic has really opened up his game, giving him open spot-up shots and opportunities to attack off the catch when he already has the defense in a disadvantage. Hardaway can hit tough shots, and that's a valuable skill in the playoffs when open shots become harder to come by. He can score at all levels, as he shot above-average at the rim, from midrange, and from three this season, according to Cleaning the Glass. He has also improved his play-making, showing some nice passing ability in pick-and-roll at times.

On defense, Hardaway doesn't excel but he holds his own. As a legitimate starting wing, Hardaway should get plenty of interest in free agency by teams that miss out on the biggest names.
 
Cap Considerations
Hardaway will be an unrestricted free agent with full Bird rights. As his cap hold ($28.5 million) exceeds the salary he will get in free agency, his cap hold is not really relevant. If the Mavericks re-sign Hardaway, his cap hold will be replaced with his starting salary, and the Mavericks may still have some cap space available depending on his salary and what happens with their other free agents.
 
If Hardaway is brought back by the Mavericks on a multi-year contract, they could benefit from frontloading his contract, as it could give them additional flexibility in the future.
 
Hardaway will demand a starting salary of more than the full $9.5 million Non-Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, which means only teams with cap space will be able to sign him. If Hardaway and an over-the-cap team have mutual interest, sign-and-trade options can be explored.

Potential Teams: Mavericks, Raptors, Heat, Hornets, Grizzlies

Predicted Contract: 3-year, $50 million with the Mavericks

Actual Contract: 4-year, $75 million with the Mavericks

Hardaway got more money than I expected, and also got an additional year. The Mavericks fully front-loaded his contract, which I believe was a very smart move, as they are well below the luxury tax this season and will only get more expensive when Luka Doncic's extension kicks in starting in 2022.

Last updated: 8/18/2021

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