DEAL ACCEPTED: Dallas Mavericks Point Guard Jaden Hardy is the No. 1 of……

In a bold and defining move for the franchise, the Dallas Mavericks have officially committed to Jaden Hardy as their starting point guard of the future. After months of speculation and backcourt rotation experiments, the Mavericks front office has reportedly “accepted the deal” internally — signaling the end of the search for a new lead guard and full confidence in Hardy’s ascension.

The 22-year-old guard, who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft, has steadily earned his stripes through high-energy performances, elite shot-making, and noticeable improvement in court vision and decision-making. Hardy’s 2024-2025 campaign has been a breakout year, averaging 17.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 38.5% from deep.

What began as a promising sixth-man role has now evolved into a leadership position. After former starting guard Luka Dončić shifted into more of a combo role — and with Kyrie Irving now playing off-ball more frequently — Hardy’s growth into a commanding floor general became impossible to ignore.

“He’s earned it,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said during a post-practice press conference. “His work ethic, his fearlessness, and the way he’s embraced the moment — that’s what you want in a point guard leading your franchise.”

The Mavericks’ decision reportedly came after internal discussions among the coaching staff and front office executives following a dominant stretch of games in which Hardy averaged 22 points and 7 assists, including a 30-point, 10-assist showing against the Golden State Warriors.

Off the court, Hardy’s leadership has also blossomed. Teammates describe him as vocal, resilient, and competitive — characteristics that have shaped the culture in Dallas’ locker room.

With this “deal accepted,” Hardy now becomes the centerpiece of Dallas’ evolving identity: younger, faster, and more dynamic. The Mavericks will continue building around Dončić and Hardy — a backcourt duo with immense offensive firepower and long-term potential.

As the team eyes a deeper playoff push in the 2025-2026 season, all eyes will be on Jaden Hardy — the new face at point guard and the undeniable No. 1 of the Dallas Mavericks’ next generation.