NBA Trades: Detroit Pistons Acquire Tim Hardaway Jr. and Second-Round Picks from Dallas Mavericks in Exchange for Quentin Grimes

The Detroit Pistons have acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. and three second-round picks from the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for Quentin Grimes, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. The picks involved in the trade are a 2025 second-round pick via the Toronto Raptors and two 2028 second-round picks. Hardaway Jr. came to Dallas as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade in 2019 and had some productive seasons coming off the bench. He received multiple top-10 finishes in Sixth Man of the Year voting, finishing ninth this season with averages of 14.4 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc. However, during the playoffs, Hardaway’s role diminished as the Mavericks reached the Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. He had eight games where he did not play and only scored in double figures twice.

The Pistons see acquiring Hardaway’s expiring contract and additional draft picks as providing them with more financial flexibility as they continue their rebuilding phase. The team has ample cap space and may look to flip Hardaway for further assets before the trade deadline or use him as a bargaining chip in future trades or signings. On the other hand, Mavericks GM Nico Harrison expressed that re-signing Derrick Jones Jr. is a top priority, stating, “He’s priority one, 1A and 1B.” Harrison highlighted Jones fitting well with the team and being committed to the organization. The Mavericks also see potential in Quentin Grimes, who showed promise in his second season with the New York Knicks but faced setbacks last season due to injuries and a trade to the Pistons.

Grimes averaged 11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists during his sophomore year, shooting 38.6% from deep. If Grimes can return to his previous form, he could fill a significant role as a floor spacer alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving for the Mavericks next season.

In conclusion, both teams see value in this trade deal as it provides them with more financial flexibility for their respective rebuilding phases or allows them to maintain their current roster structure while adding depth or upgrading certain positions on their roster.