Somewhere along the lines of the 2020-21 season, the Kristaps Porzingis trade turned into the Tim Hardaway Jr. trade.

And in the midst of what some may call a breakout season, the truth loomed of Hardaway's impending free agency.

As free agency approaches, Hardaway is expected to have a litany of suitors vying for his 3-point marksmanship. He played his way into a second big contract, and in the modern NBA, he deserves every penny of it.

"I love it here [Dallas]," Hardaway said at the June 7 exit meeting. "I really felt like this is home for me, and I really felt like I created a niche for myself here to be a part of something bigger than myself… If you talk to anyone that is around me, they will know that I love it here in Dallas."

Playstyle context for Hardaway:

He may love it here in Dallas, but finding the right price point for his return is also important. Hardaway ended the regular season averaging 16.4 points per game while shooting 39 percent from three.

In the NBA Playoffs, he averaged 17 points while shooting 40 percent from three. However, he was more of just a steady outside shooter. He scored 28 points in game two along with 20 and 23 points in games five and six.

Hardaway was a big shot taker and maker. His playstyle seamlessly fit in with Luka Doncic. And with the continued elevation of the Mavericks' 22-year-old superstar, one can assume Hardaway can continue to reap the benefits of sharing the court with Doncic.

What offer to expect:

Hardaway's skill set is at a premium in the modern NBA. The 2020-21 season was the final year of a four-year $71 million deal. He made roughly $18 million in this final season of his deal. Seeing an increase to at least $20 million annually is expected, and his contract may range anywhere from $20-$25 million annually for the duration of his next deal.

Though it has been reported that the Mavericks and Hardaway have a mutual interest in working out a new deal, with the recent shakeup to the Mavericks front office, that stands subject to change

Expect other teams to play a factor in driving up Hardaway's value on the open market. One team that might be interested in him is the Miami Heat, who are looking to add a veteran shooter since the departure of Jae Crowder during the 2020 free agency window.

Hardaway may not draw eyes with his star power, but he is quietly one of the most electric 3-point scorers in the league. He's played his way into a second big contract in the league, and during the second half of the 2020-21 season, he showed Mavs fans that he deserves every penny of it, without question.

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Feature image via Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports.