1. Have Tim Hardaway Jr. opt in
The Mavericks third option all season, Hardaway had the most efficient season of his seven-year career. In the two seasons prior to playing for the Mavericks, Hardaway averaged no less than 17.5 points per game.
Since coming to the Mavericks, Hardaway has only produced 15.5 points per game last season and 15.8 per game in the last campaign. The difference between these seasons was his efficiency from deep. Hardaway hit 39.8 percent of his shots from deep.
This also allowed Hardaway to have his best shooting season ever. His 55.0 effective field goal percentage allowed the Mavericks to play him as a floor spacer. This allowed Doncic to be creative inside playing one-on-one with his defender. As he is 6’7″, this usually resulted in points or free throws.
Hardaway is due just under $19 million next season on his current deal. While there may be some money out there for him if he opts out, there is better money available next season. Most teams who can afford him are not in the contention window that the Mavericks are in.
This is important considering that the two teams that Hardaway played on prior to coming to the Mavericks were the Atlanta Hawks and the New York Knicks. He knows what it is to produce good numbers on a team with no chance of making the playoffs.
With the Mavericks he is putting up good numbers on a team that can beat almost anyone on their day. While players do play for money, their ultimate goal is always to compete at the highest level and with the Mavericks, Hardaway will do that next season.