SUPRISING LANDING:Mavericks Free Agent Expected to Sign with Unexpected Team.
June 1, 2025
As the dust begins to settle on the 2025 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks fresh off a deep playoff run are shifting focus to a critical offseason. Among the looming questions:
The future of several key free agents, including veteran swingman Tim Hardaway Jr., sharpshooter Seth Curry, and versatile big man Dwight Powell. While speculation has surrounded where some of these players might land, league sources suggest that one Mavericks free agent is poised to sign with a team few expected to be in the running.
Though the identity of the specific player remains officially unconfirmed, insiders point toward Tim Hardaway Jr. as the most likely candidate. Hardaway, 33, has been a fixture in Dallas since 2019 and provided valuable shooting and scoring off the bench during the Mavericks’ playoff campaign. However, sources now indicate that he is drawing strong interest from the Charlotte Hornets, a team not traditionally linked with veterans seeking playoff contention.
The Hornets, long viewed as a rebuilding franchise, are reportedly looking to accelerate their timeline and surround young star LaMelo Ball with seasoned contributors. Adding Hardaway Jr. would signal a bold shift in direction—a move from development toward playoff ambition.
What makes the potential landing spot particularly surprising is Charlotte’s roster situation and historical reluctance to make splashy moves in free agency. However, with new ownership and front office changes, the Hornets may be ready to change their narrative. Hardaway would bring playoff experience, perimeter shooting, and locker room leadership—key assets for a franchise looking to re-establish its identity.
Another possible curveball involves Dwight Powell, a fan favorite in Dallas known for his pick-and-roll chemistry with Luka Dončić and his leadership presence. Powell has reportedly drawn interest from international clubs and Eastern Conference teams such as the Toronto Raptors—his hometown squad. Should Powell head to Toronto, it would mark a heartwarming and unexpected homecoming, though his departure would leave a leadership void in Dallas.
The Mavericks, for their part, are likely to be aggressive in free agency themselves. With Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving at the helm and a deep playoff experience under their belts, Dallas is expected to retool rather than rebuild. But losing a veteran like Hardaway or Powell could open new opportunities for younger players like Josh Green or Olivier-Maxence Prosper.
As the NBA offseason inches closer, one thing is clear: Mavericks fans should brace for a few surprises. Whether it’s a beloved veteran finding a new home in an unlikely market or Dallas pulling off a headline-grabbing signing of their own, the summer of 2025 is shaping up to be full of unexpected moves.