Jaden Hardy has reportedly reached a three-year, $18 million contract extension with the Dallas Mavericks, as confirmed on Monday. At just 22 years old, Hardy has played as a shooting guard for the Mavericks since being drafted 37th overall by the Sacramento Kings in the 2022 NBA Draft. He attended Coronado High School in Henderson, Nevada.
Hardy made his NBA debut on March 11, 2023, scoring 22 points, along with two rebounds and three assists in a close loss to the Memphis Grizzlies. His new contract is considered a rookie-scale extension, as reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Hardy, who was traded to the Mavericks on draft night, joined the team for the 2022 NBA Summer League.
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During his time with Dallas, Hardy has established himself as a valuable role player, averaging 7.9 points per game while shooting 37.9% from beyond the arc in 121 games, including 12 starts. This contract extension is viewed as favorable for the Mavericks, as it provides flexibility in their roster management.
In related news, Quentin Grimes was unable to secure a contract extension with the Mavericks, making him a restricted free agent after the 2024-25 NBA season. Grimes, acquired from the Detroit Pistons, played a role in allowing the Mavericks to sign Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal.
Additionally, AJ Lawson’s time with the Mavericks has come to an end. Lawson, who spent two years with the team and its G League affiliate, was waived after a preseason game. He is reportedly set to join the Long Island Nets, the Brooklyn Nets’ G League team, after averaging over 21 points per game in his last seven games with the Texas Legends.
