The Dallas Mavericks and guard Jaden Hardy have reached an agreement on a three-year extension worth $18 million, according to someone familiar with the contract who spoke on Tuesday.
This deal secures one of the backup players in a talented backcourt featuring Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. The source requested to remain anonymous since the agreement has not yet been officially announced.
The Mavericks were already relying on Hardy for extra support before Dante Exum suffered a wrist injury that needs surgery and will keep him out for an unknown period. The defending Western Conference champions will begin their season at home against San Antonio on Thursday night.
In 2022, Dallas was close to going another year without a draft pick before trading into the second round to select Hardy, who chose to skip college and play for the G League Ignite.
Hardy, who might have become a restricted free agent next summer, has averaged 7.9 points in 121 games over two seasons as a part-time player. His playing time was inconsistent during the Mavericks’ journey to the NBA Finals last season, where they lost to Boston in five games.
