While Anthony Davis is the biggest Dallas Mavericks name swirling through the trade winds, the player to reportedly watch is Naji Marshall, per Christian Clark of The Athletic. Davis, currently out with a finger injury and not expected to return until after the All-Star, isn’t expected to be traded.
“While Davis’ market is tepid because of his contract status and injury history, other Mavericks players are drawing interest from rival teams,” Clark said. “Mavericks forward Naji Marshall, in particular, is a player in demand.”
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Marshall is having a career season and has been extremely efficient. Marshall averages 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in 29.2 minutes over 46 appearances. The 28-year-old, who has increased his production since being inserted into the starting lineup, also produces 1.1 steals while shooting a career-high 54.6% from the field and 30.6% from deep. Additionally, he has compiled one double-double while scoring 20+ points on nine occassions, including two 30-point efforts.
“I think half the league is interested in him,” one scout with a Western Conference team told Clark.
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Why Are Teams Interested In Naji Marshall?
Not only is Marshall having a great season, but he is also on a very team family contract. Marshall is also one of the most valuable “connector wings” available at the trade deadline. Known for his physical defense, Marshall has improved throughout his career as a scorer and playmaker.
Marshall’s best trait is his versatility. He can guard everyone but centers, though he is at his best on that end when defending wings and secondary creators. In addition to being a “shutdown” wing defender, he is an elite team defender, excelling in rotations, tagging rollers, and closing out on shooters.
Offensively, Marshall is productive despite being a low-usage player. Marshall is at his best without the ball. He is a smart cutter who excels in transition and finishing around the basket. He has become nearly automatic at the rim over his last two seasons, thanks to an impressive arsenal of floaters and push shots. Since joining the Mavericks before the beginning of last year, he has connected on 76.5% of his attempts at the rim and 55.4% of shots from 3 to 10 feet.
Will Dallas Trade Him, and Who Are The Teams Reportedly Interested?
Despite this reported immense interest in the trade market, Clark said that Dallas prefers to hold onto the 6-6 forward. Marshall is making $9.0 million this year and $9.4 million next year. However, Clark did add that the Mavericks would move him for an “extraordinary offer.”
Dallas, which is 12th in the Western Conference at 19-27, owns the fourth-highest payroll and needs to shed payroll. Unless the Mavericks make a move over the next two weeks, they will owe the NBA $32.4 million in taxes, which is incredibly high for a likely non-playoff team.
Additionally, the Mavericks are already projected to be a second-round team next year. They also have a dearth of draft picks due to recent trades. They own just eight draft picks, though six are first-rounders between 2026 and 2032.
Besides Davis and Marshall, the Mavericks have several other trade candidates. Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, Caleb Martin, Max Christie, and D’Angelo Russell could also be moved.
NBA Insider Marc Stein reports that the Mavericks will only consider offers for Marshall that include a future first-round pick.
Teams Believed To Be Interested In Trading For Marshall
New York Knicks
New York is believed to be actively monitoring Marshall’s availability. Marshall would fit next to Jalen Brunson as the Knicks’ primary wing defender. However, the Knicks would have to do extensive roster maneuvering to make a trade work, so it may not be feasible for them.
Golden State Warriors
Golden State does make sense, especially with Jimmy Butler’s injury. However, the Warriors’ interest could hinge on their ability to shed Buddy Hield‘s salary.
Here is a potential trade: Warriors send Brandin Podziemski and 2027 first-round (top 14 protected) to Mavericks for Marshall.
Now, if Dallas has an interest in Jonathan Kuminga, a potential trade could involve the Warriors sending him and either a 2027 or 2028 pick to the Mavericks for Marshall and Daniel Gafford. The Warriors could attach another future first-rounder to sweeten the deal.
Boston Celtics
Marshall could put the Celtics ahead of the Eastern Conference contenders list, especially if Jason Tatum can return. The Celtics could conceivably acquire Marshall (via trade exception) for Baylor Scheierman, an expiring contract, and their 2026 first-round choice. The C’s could add Detroit’s 2026 second-round pick in the deal.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are seeking a defensive wing to complement Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Paul George. The Sixers could potentially acquire Marshall for Eric Gordon (expiring deal), the Los Angeles Clippers’ 2028 first-round pick, and the 2027 second-round pick (via Phoenix).