Tim Hardaway Jr. to Miami
Potential package: Dallas (24-21) receives Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson, Nikola Jović, and a 2024 second-round pick from Miami (24-20) for Hardaway Jr., Dāvis Bertāns, and Reggie Bullock
Dallas and Miami have reportedly touched base on a Hardaway trade. Miami is also interested in Bullock and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Miami is the worst scoring team in the NBA this season, averaging 108.8 ppg. Hardaway (14 ppg) would provide a spark to a bench that’s bottom five in bench points per game.
The Mavericks need another ballhandler. They’ve pursued Lowry in the past, and while he’s not the player he once was, his contract is up after next season.
Miami needs a PF, and Bertāns would provide a much-needed floor-stretching ability. Dallas could gamble on Robinson returning to something close to his 40.1% career three-point shooting percentage. The two might have the worst contracts in the league; a fresh start could benefit both.
The 6-foot-10 rookie Jović is a project but could be an interesting addition for Dallas; he could be a solid role player one day.
Gary Trent Jr. to Phoenix
Potential package: Toronto (19-24) receives Cameron Johnson, Jae Crowder, and a 2024 protected first-round pick from Phoenix (21-23) for Trent Jr.
Toronto is at a crossroads and must decide which direction the franchise will head. The Raptors might not opt for a full-blown firesale, but Trent is “undeniably available” ahead of the trade deadline, NBA Insider Marc Stein reports.
Trent, a 3&D guard, averages 18.2 points and 1.7 steals per game. Trent has a player option for next year that he’ll undoubtedly exercise, so Toronto will try to get something in return.
Time’s running out for this current Phoenix core. Outside of injuries to stars Devin Booker and Chris Paul this season, Phoenix’s locker room appears to have its drama.
The 11th-seeded Suns are 12th in offensive rating and 14th in defensive rating; Trent’s two-way ability could elevate them in both categories. Trent would be a much more reliable option off the bench than Cam Payne, who is inconsistent and often injured.
Obi Toppin to Indiana
Potential package: New York (25-19) receives Chris Duarte and a 2023 first-round pick from Indiana (23-21) for Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein
Toppin, a former top-10 pick, has only averaged 14.6 minutes per game in his three-year career. He was drafted to replace Julius Randle eventually, but Randle’s All-NBA 2020-21 season earned him an extension and has kept Toppin glued to the bench.
The high-flying Toppin could thrive with a larger opportunity. His rim-running style would gel perfectly with PG Tyrese Haliburton’s crafty passing ability.
New York is the sixth-worst three-point shooting team in the NBA this season and needs a player who can create their own shot. Duarte’s in the middle of a troubling shooting year (27.9 3pt%), but the Knicks were interested in him before the 2021 draft, and he has the shot-creating tools they desire.
The Knicks are keen on stacking draft picks, so the added first-round pick might entice them to make this deal.
