Mavericks sign second-round pick Jaden Hardy to 3-year contract

Jaden Hardy, formerly of the NBA G League Ignite, on Thursday signed his rookie contract with the Dallas Mavericks, the team announced.

Hardy, the 37th pick in the NBA draft, reportedly inked a three-year, $4.8 million contract, according to Marc Stein on Substack. Contract terms for second-round picks vary, and Hardy will become a restricted free agent after the third year.

He is just the second known second-round pick to sign this year.

The 20-year-old averaged 19.8 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 37.6% shooting from the field in 24 games last season. He struggled to begin the season but came on late, scoring in double figures in each of his last eight games.

Hardy was thought to be a first-round pick but ultimately fell to 37. He expressed his excitement to land with the Mavericks and will be looking to use his slide on draft night as motivation entering summer league and beyond.

He is eager to prove himself in Las Vegas.

What excites me is just being able to play at this level — it is something I’ve always dreamed of. Growing up, watching the summer leagues, I always pictured myself being out there. Now that I’m out there, I really want to go out there and prove to everybody who I am.

Hardy, who attended high school near Las Vegas in Henderson, won’t have to wait long to showcase his abilities as the Mavericks kick off their stint in Sin City on Friday against the Chicago Bulls.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

RelatedMavericks’ Jaden Hardy using draft night slide as motivation’I’m the best player’: Jaden Hardy credited G League for draft prepJaden Hardy recently linked up with Damian Lillard in the gymListNBA Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero early favorite to win in 2023

Story originally appeared on Rookie Wire