Should The Pistons Trade for Former Michigan Basketball Star?

Tim Hardaway Jr. may soon find himself back in Michigan as talks about a trade between the Detroit Pistons and Dallas Mavericks could be on the horizon. With one year remaining on his contract, valued at $16.2 million, the Pistons—armed with over $60 million in cap space—seem poised to absorb his salary. Despite averaging 14.4 points per game, Hardaway Jr. saw reduced playoff minutes, favoring Jaden Hardy. This raises the question: Should the Pistons pursue this opportunity?

Should The Pistons Trade for Former Michigan Basketball Star?

The Positives Of The Pistons’ Trading For Tim Hardaway Jr.

Veteran Presence

The Pistons need seasoned veterans on their roster. Depending on the decisions surrounding pending free agents, Quentin Grimes is set to be the oldest player on the team at just 24 years old. Trading for Hardaway Jr. would inject an 11-year veteran presence into the team—someone who has played in high-stakes games and can offer invaluable leadership on and off the court. This leadership potential is a game-changer for a young team striving to grow and mature.

Scoring and Shooting

Hardaway Jr. is a proven scorer, averaging 14.0 points per game with a career three-point shooting average of 36%. This addresses the Pistons’ need for reliable shooting and floor spacing, crucial for their development and competitive play. He can create driving opportunities for guards like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey by stretching the floor and enhancing offensive efficiency.

The Negatives Of The Pistons’ Trading For Tim Hardaway Jr.

Adjustment to a Rebuilding Team

Transitioning from the Mavericks to the Pistons challenges Hardaway Jr., shifting from a playoff contender to a rebuilding team, potentially affecting performance and chemistry. Adjusting to a new timeline where immediate success might not be the priority could also affect his performance on the court. Balancing personal growth with team objectives will be crucial for him to navigate this transition successfully.

Recent Playoff Performance

Hardaway Jr. experienced a significant drop in playing time and performance, especially in the playoffs, where his stats plummeted. In the Mavericks’ 20 playoff games, he averaged just 4.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists with shooting splits of 37/35/50%. This decline raises questions about his current form and future contributions. Pistons fans may worry that his performance dip signals a decline, raising doubts about his future effectiveness.

Grimes’ Potential

In acquiring Hardaway Jr., the Mavericks are likely to want Grimes. Despite injuries and falling out of favor with Tom Thibodeau in New York, Grimes remains an intriguing player for the Pistons. Currently 24, he averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists with shooting splits of 46/38/79% in 2022-23. His brief Pistons stint only partially shows his potential; better health and coaching will reveal more. Grimes is still young and has shown flashes of potential that suggest he could develop into a significant contributor. Trading for a veteran like Hardaway Jr. might seem short-term, conflicting with the Pistons’ long-term rebuilding strategy.

The Last Word

Tim Hardaway Jr. provides leadership and scoring, but the Pistons must assess his decline and fit in their rebuilding timeline. Balancing these factors against the potential growth of younger players like Grimes is essential. This decision could significantly influence the Pistons’ future trajectory, making it imperative to weigh all aspects thoroughly. The Pistons must ensure all moves advance their long-term goals, building a competitive, cohesive team without misaligned players.