“Mavericks Extend Jaden Hardy with Three-Year, $18 Million Deal Amid Backcourt Injuries”
The Dallas Mavericks have come to an agreement with guard Jaden Hardy on a three-year contract extension valued at $18 million, according to a source familiar with the deal who spoke on Tuesday.
This contract ensures that one of their backup players will remain on the roster amid a talented backcourt that includes Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. The source chose to remain anonymous as the agreement has not yet been officially announced.
With Dante Exum facing a wrist injury requiring surgery that will keep him out for an indefinite period, the Mavericks were already counting on Hardy for additional support. The defending Western Conference champions will kick off their season at home against San Antonio on Thursday night.
In 2022, Dallas nearly went another year without a draft pick before trading into the second round to select Hardy, who opted to forgo college to play for the G League Ignite.
Hardy, who could have been a restricted free agent next summer, has averaged 7.9 points in 121 games over his two seasons as a part-time player. His playing time was uneven during the Mavericks’ run to the NBA Finals last season, where they were defeated by Boston in five games.