It's now officially the offseason and the parading and partying is just beginning for the Boston Celtics. Their defeat over the Dallas Mavericks scoring a 4-1 series victory has led to quick thinking about how Mark Cuban can improve his team for the future.
Currently, the Mavericks are shopping for any pieces they can receive for Tim Hardaway. The 32-year-old is entering his 12th season in the NBA this fall and will more than likely wear another jersey.
Marc Stein stated that league sources have heard the Mavericks are continuing to search for any valuable pieces in return. Ultimately, to have another shot at another playoff run.
"League sources say that the Mavericks will promptly resume their long-running search for a trade partner to take Hardaway on," Stein wrote.
As always, this time of the year is crazy for all teams (Celtics included) to revamp their rosters as much as possible. If you're the Mavs, it could be a desperation kind of thing to avenge their Finals loss.
Tim Hardaway's 2023-2024 season at a glance
Hardaway averaged 14.4 points during the season as well as 3.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists. He did this in 26.8 minutes per game while shooting 40.2% from the field.
Unfortunately, those numbers changed drastically once the postseason arrived.
The NBA veteran saw his stats drop to 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists as his minutes were held to just 12.7. Yes, you could say that it "worked out" in the end as Dallas achieved the opportunity to raise their first banner since 2011 but what if playing Hardaway could have led to a different result?
In the words of Jayson Tatum, "I guess we'll never know."
Fortunately, a new home could mean well for No. 11. A chance to start something new. That way he has the platform to make Dallas regret the decision of not playing him as much.
Although, the Celtics will still be around hungry for more so that challenge for Hardaway and the entire league still remains true.