Tim Hardaway Jr. is a name that basketball fans have come to respect in the NBA. As the son of Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway, expectations were always sky-high, but he has managed to carve his own legacy in professional basketball. Born on March 16, 1992, in Alameda, California, Hardaway Jr. has played for some of the biggest franchises in the NBA, including the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks. Now at 33 years old (as of 2025), he’s still a key player in the league, continuing to prove his worth season after season.
Net Worth & Contracts: A Lucrative NBA Career
Basketball has been more than just a sport for Hardaway Jr.; it has been a financial powerhouse. With a net worth of approximately $60 million in 2025, he has capitalized on his talent and opportunities in the league. His salary alone has contributed to over $120.5 million in earnings, and that number continues to grow.
His first major contract came in 2013 when he signed a four-year, $6.1 million deal with the New York Knicks. But the real financial game-changer was in 2017 when he signed a massive four-year, $71 million deal, also with the Knicks. That contract alone made him wealthier than his father, who played 14 seasons in the NBA.
In 2018, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where his annual base salary hit a staggering $18 million. By November 2020, he exercised an $18.98 million player option with Dallas, securing another significant payday. Then came his 2021 deal, a four-year contract worth $75 million with the Mavericks. These lucrative contracts have solidified his position among the highest-earning players of his generation.
Early Life & Basketball Beginnings
Growing up in a basketball household meant that Hardaway Jr. was always around the game. His father, Tim Hardaway Sr., was a five-time NBA All-Star, and his influence was evident in his son’s development. However, it wasn’t just about living up to his father’s legacy; Hardaway Jr. had his own dreams to chase.
He played high school basketball at Palmer and later at Palmetto High School. His talent was recognized early, as he was ranked as one of the top shooting guards in his class. ESPN ranked him the 28th-best shooting guard, while Scout.com placed him at 36th. This ranking set the stage for his collegiate career at the University of Michigan.
From 2010 to 2013, he played for the Michigan Wolverines, where he made a name for himself. He was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2011, earned All-Big Ten Third Team honors in 2012, and made the All-Big Ten First Team in 2013. His college years also included representing Team USA in the 2011 FIBA Under-19 World Championships.
NBA Career: From Draft Day to the Mavericks
The NBA came calling in 2013 when the New York Knicks selected Hardaway Jr. with the 24th overall pick. He made an immediate impact, earning a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. He also had the opportunity to practice with the USA Basketball National Select Team in 2014.
In 2015, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jerian Grant’s draft rights. His time with Atlanta included a few D-League assignments with the Canton Charge and Austin Spurs, but he was eventually recalled by the Hawks in January 2016. By 2017, he had established himself as a solid player, which led to the Knicks offering him that massive $71 million contract.
After another stint with the Knicks, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 2019, alongside Trey Burke, Courtney Lee, and Kristaps Porzingis, in exchange for DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews, Dennis Smith Jr., and two future first-round draft picks.
With Dallas, he became a crucial part of the team’s offensive strategy. In 2020, he exercised his player option to stay with the Mavericks, and by the 2022-2023 season, he made 212 three-pointers, becoming the only player in franchise history with multiple 200+ three-point seasons. That’s a legacy in the making!
Personal Life: Family, Tributes, and Beyond Basketball
Hardaway Jr. keeps his personal life relatively private, but one thing that stands out is his dedication to honoring loved ones. During the 2012-2013 season, he memorized deceased friends on his left shoe and deceased family members on his right shoe, a testament to his deep connections and values.
He has a sister, Nia, and remains close to his family despite the demands of his professional career. While he is not as publicly vocal as some of his NBA counterparts, he maintains an active presence in basketball circles and continues to contribute to the game in meaningful ways.
The Future of Tim Hardaway Jr.
As he moves further into his 30s, the question remains: What’s next for Tim Hardaway Jr.? Given his consistent performances and his ability to adapt, he could still have several strong seasons left in him. His ability to shoot from deep and play solid minutes makes him a valuable asset to any team, and the Mavericks continue to benefit from his experience and skillset.
Even when his playing days are over, his basketball IQ and NBA pedigree could open doors in coaching, broadcasting, or front-office roles.
One thing is clear—Tim Hardaway Jr. is more than just his father’s son. He’s built his own career, secured his own wealth, and left an undeniable mark on the NBA. Whether he’s draining three-pointers for the Mavericks or transitioning into the next phase of his career, his impact on the game will not be forgotten.
For now, fans can sit back and enjoy the show as he continues to light up the court, proving that Hardaway Jr. is a name that stands tall on its own in the basketball world.
