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Tim Hardaway Jr.: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

By Simon Smith

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 13: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after Mike Dunleavy #34 hit a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on January 13, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – JANUARY 13: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks reacts after Mike Dunleavy #34 hit a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena on January 13, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

1. Brooklyn Nets

Completely rebuilding, possessing salary cap space and desperate for talent, the Nets are the best landing place for Hardaway Jr., at the very least from a financial perspective. Since last offseason when GM Sean Marks came on board, the Nets have been desperately trying to procure young, emerging talent away from teams with significant offers.

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Last summer, the Nets signed guard Tyler Johnson to a four-year, $50 offer sheet, only for the Miami Heat to match the deal. They also signed swingman Allen Crabbe to a four-year, $75 million offer sheet, which was matched this time by the Portland Trail Blazers. And recently, the Nets acquired D’Angelo Russell from the Los Angeles Lakers, despite the fact that they would be taking on the remaining three years and $54 million of Timofey Mozgov’s contract.

Therefore, it’s clear that Marks and his front office are desperately trying to obtain talent following the dearth of their own draft picks in recent seasons. With Russell and Jeremy Lin the Nets’ current guards, adding Hardaway Jr. would provide the Nets with a terrific three-way rotation in the backcourt, with Hardaway Jr. also able to fill in at the 3-spot if necessary.

Considering the Nets’ current perilous position, and Hardaway Jr.’s recent production and upside, an offer somewhere in between the ones offered to Johnson and Crabbe last summer would seem the most logical way to get the ball rolling. As a restricted free agent, this would put the ball back in the Hawks’ court as to whether they wish to match. And with the Hawks recently stating that they are likely to undergo a complete rebuild, this certainly favors the Nets’ chances.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

When taking into account the respective positions that both Hardaway Jr. and the Nets find themselves in, this could represent a legitimate win-win for both parties.

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