The Dallas Mavericks have reached an agreement for a three-year contract extension worth $18 million with guard Jaden Hardy, as confirmed by a source familiar with the deal. This addition cements his role as a valuable contributor in a talented backcourt alongside stars Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Klay Thompson. The source requested anonymity since the Mavericks have not yet publicly announced the contract.

With Dante Exum facing an indefinite absence due to a wrist injury that required surgery, the Mavericks were already relying on Hardy to provide necessary depth. The team is set to kick off their season at home on Thursday night against the San Antonio Spurs.

In 2022, the Mavericks nearly went another year without a draft pick but managed to secure Hardy by trading into the second round. Instead of attending college, Hardy opted to play for the G League Ignite, which showcased his skills and potential.

Over the course of his first two seasons, Hardy has averaged 7.9 points across 121 games, serving primarily as a part-time rotation player. His playing time was inconsistent during the team’s playoff journey last season, where the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals but faced a defeat against the Boston Celtics in five games.