HOW DO YOU RATE THIS SIGNING?: Mavericks Reach Agreements to sign NBA Award Winner Jaden Hardy and Brandon Williams as Kyrie Irving tore his ACL in March and isn’t expected to be….

In the wake of Kyrie Irving’s devastating ACL tear in March — an injury that is expected to sideline him well into next season — the Dallas Mavericks have moved quickly to reinforce their backcourt. According to team sources and league insiders, the Mavericks have reached agreements to bring back rising scorer Jaden Hardy and add guard Brandon Williams to the roster.

The Context: Irving’s Injury and Dallas’ Guard Depth

Kyrie Irving’s injury dealt a heavy blow to the Mavericks’ playoff hopes and backcourt balance. The veteran guard had been a key piece alongside Luka Dončić, providing scoring, late-game shot creation, and veteran leadership. With his recovery timeline stretching into 2026, the Mavericks had no choice but to look for reinforcements — ideally players who could contribute immediately but also grow with the team.

Jaden Hardy: Internal Development Pays Off

Bringing back Jaden Hardy is a move that shows the Mavericks’ trust in their developmental system. Hardy, who showed flashes of elite scoring talent off the bench over the past two seasons, has steadily earned more minutes and praise from coaching staff. Now entering his third year, Hardy is poised for a breakout role — and he may very well be the starting two-guard when the season opens.

Hardy’s ability to score in bunches, handle the ball in transition, and play off Dončić makes him a natural fit in Jason Kidd’s offense. His improved shot selection and defensive awareness were noticeable last season, and this signing signals the Mavericks are ready to give him the keys in a bigger capacity.

Brandon Williams: A Smart, Low-Risk Addition

Brandon Williams, while less known, brings a different flavor to the Mavericks’ guard rotation. The 6-foot-2 combo guard has bounced around the league since going undrafted in 2021 but showed promise during stints with Portland and in the G-League. Williams is a capable scorer, strong in the pick-and-roll, and can serve as a reliable backup point guard while the team reshuffles its backcourt hierarchy.

This signing isn’t a headline-grabber, but it’s smart depth management. With Irving out and a long regular season ahead, the Mavericks are betting on versatility and upside — two traits Williams brings to the table.

Rating the Signings: B+

Given the unfortunate circumstances surrounding Irving’s injury, the Mavericks made wise, pragmatic choices. Re-signing Jaden Hardy shows organizational stability and belief in homegrown talent, while adding Williams gives them a low-risk insurance policy. The signings don’t drastically raise the Mavericks’ championship ceiling, but they prevent a collapse at the guard position.

If Hardy can make the leap many expect, and Williams provides steady backup minutes, these deals could quietly turn out to be some of the most valuable signings of the offseason. For now, the grade is a solid B+, with potential to climb higher depending on how the season unfolds.