The Denver Nuggets have strengthened their lineup by signing veteran guard Tim Hardaway Jr. during the ongoing free agency period. This move aims to support superstar Nikola Jokic and improve the team’s chances of advancing further in the postseason amid a highly competitive Western Conference.
Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Denver to Enhance Perimeter Shooting and Depth
<pOn July 1, the Nuggets officially added Tim Hardaway Jr., a proven shooter with valuable playoff experience, agreeing to a one-year contract. The deal, arranged with the help of Hardaway’s agent Mark Bartelstein from Priority Sports, was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. Financial details of the contract were not publicly disclosed.
“Free agent sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr. has agreed to a one-year deal with the Denver Nuggets, sources tell ESPN. Hardaway had a strong season for the Pistons’ resurgent 2024-25 campaign and now Denver officials finalize a deal with Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports. pic.twitter.com/XUaslGumBf” —Shams Charania, ESPN
Hardaway played an important role for the Detroit Pistons last season, featuring in 77 games and helping the team secure its first playoff appearance since 2019. He contributed an average of 11 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting a solid 36.8% from beyond the arc over nearly 28 minutes each contest. Among Detroit players, only Malik Beasley made more three-pointers than Hardaway, who tallied 168 threes to Beasley’s 319.
Background on Hardaway’s Recent Performance and Journey to Denver
Hardaway joined the Pistons prior to the 2024-25 season via a trade with the Dallas Mavericks, which involved Quentin Grimes and three future second-round draft picks going to Dallas. During Detroit’s playoff series against the New York Knicks, Hardaway started all six games, averaging 12 points per game despite shooting only 31% overall. The Pistons were eliminated in the first round.
After the playoffs, the Pistons opted not to aggressively pursue free agents as they plan to focus on rebuilding internally, with team president Trajan Langdon indicating a cautious approach to free agency moves. Only forward Paul Reed has re-signed with Detroit so far, while veteran point guard Dennis Schroeder departed to join the Sacramento Kings. Hardaway also moved on, finding a new role with the Nuggets.
How Denver’s Recent Additions Aim to Strengthen Their Championship Bid
The signing of Hardaway complements a series of offseason moves by Denver designed to reinforce their roster around Jokic. Just before adding Hardaway, the Nuggets acquired forward Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets in a trade centered on Michael Porter Jr. They also completed a deal for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from Sacramento and re-signed guard Bruce Brown Jr., a key contributor during their 2023 championship season.
With Hardaway’s floor spacing and sharpshooting ability, Denver hopes to enhance its offensive versatility and maintain competitiveness in a tough Western Conference. These strategic additions seek to position the Nuggets for a more successful postseason run following recent playoff disappointments.
Implications for Nikola Jokic and Denver’s Title Aspirations
Adding Tim Hardaway Jr. is a calculated step to provide Nikola Jokic with additional offensive support, especially beyond the three-point line, allowing the superstar center more space to operate. This move reflects the Nuggets’ determination to address previous playoff challenges and build a roster capable of competing for another NBA championship.
As Denver moves into the new season with a deeper and more experienced team, all eyes will be on Jokic and his ability to lead the Nuggets through a difficult playoff landscape. The balance of veteran presence and shooting accuracy from new additions like Hardaway could prove critical in their pursuit of another Finals appearance.