NBA Rumors: Dallas Mavericks waiving Kemba Walker to pave path for Jaden Hardy

The Dallas Mavericks are waiving 4-time All-Star Kemba Walker to make space for rookie Jaden Hardy, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon reported.

The Mavericks (22-17) are on track to make the playoffs as Luka Doncic is among the favorites for this year’s MVP award.

Walker was signed by Dallas as a free agent after he was waived by the Detroit Pistons in July. He has not been a regular for his new team, starting just once in nine appearances.

A four-time All-Star, Kemba averaged 8.0 points and 2.1 assists in 16.0 minutes per game and is still only 32 years old. According to MacMahon, the Dallas Mavericks plan to increase the playing time for McKinley Wright IV and also introduce Jaden Hardy to an increased role in the rotation. Hardy has not started a game thus far, but he has impressed in limited playing time.

Tim MacMahon

@espn_macmahon

Sources: Mavs are waiving Kemba Walker, whose salary would have become guaranteed Saturday. Two-way G McKinley Wright IV has earned minutes and Mavs also want to leave path for rookie Jaden Hardy to get playing time. Walker had 32-point game for Mavs and was ultimate pro.

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Sources: Mavs are waiving Kemba Walker, whose salary would have become guaranteed Saturday. Two-way G McKinley Wright IV has earned minutes and Mavs also want to leave path for rookie Jaden Hardy to get playing time. Walker had 32-point game for Mavs and was ultimate pro.

Walker may still be a useful player for most teams and should be able to snag a contract in the coming weeks.

Dallas Mavericks waive Kemba Walker to increase playing time for Jaden Hardy

Jaden Hardy, who has had limited playing time in the NBA, impressed during his stint with the G League Texas Legends. Hardy produced 28 points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in a loss against the Chicago Bulls and has reportedly impressed the coaching staff.

During the recent game against the Boston Celtics, Hardy made the most of his opportunity, scoring 15 points and recording two assists and two rebounds in 15 minutes. In his 12th appearance with the Dallas Mavericks, the rookie tied his career high in scoring. Despite limited playing time, Hardy has plenty of scope for development and needs a more consistent jumpshot.

Kurt Helin

@basketballtalk

Reports: Mavericks to waive Kemba Walker, who becomes free agent nba.nbcsports.com/2023/01/06/rep…

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Reports: Mavericks to waive Kemba Walker, who becomes free agent nba.nbcsports.com/2023/01/06/rep…

With increased playing time, his shooting efficiency could improve from 44.1%. Hardy also has plenty of room for improvement with his 3-point shooting (taking 1.5 attempts per game, making 27.8%.

With the Mavericks looking set for a deep playoff run and Kemba Walker out of the equation, Jaden Hardy is bound to get plenty of opportunities in the regular season alone.

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