DALLAS (AP) — The Dallas Mavericks and guard Jaden Hardy have agreed to a three-year, $18 million contract extension, a person with knowledge of the contract said Tuesday.
The deal secures one of the backups in a star-studded backcourt led by Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
The Mavs already had Hardy for depth before Dante Exum suffered a wrist injury that required surgery and will sideline him indefinitely. The defending Western Conference champions open the season Thursday night at home against San Antonio.
Dallas was on the verge of a second straight year without a draft pick in 2022 before trading up in the second round to land Hardy, who eschewed college to play in the G League Ignite.
Hardy, who could have become a restricted free agent next summer, has averaged 7.9 points in 121 games over two seasons as a part-time member of the rotation. His playing time was similarly sporadic during the Mavs’ run to the NBA Finals last season. Dallas lost to Boston in five games.
