The Dallas Mavericks are facing a critical crossroads as the 2026 NBA trade deadline looms. Sitting 11th in the Western Conference, they're currently on the outside looking in-not just of the playoff picture, but even the play-in tournament.
And with the deadline approaching fast on February 5 at 3 p.m. ET, the front office is actively exploring ways to shake things up.
According to league sources, Dallas is keeping the phone lines open on several players, including Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, and D’Angelo Russell. But two names that seem to be off-limits?
Naji Marshall and Max Christie. The Mavericks aren’t eager to part with either, and it’s easy to see why.
Marshall, who signed with Dallas in the summer of 2024, has quietly become one of the team’s most reliable two-way wings. Through 48 games this season, he’s averaging 14.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while earning $9 million.
At 28, he’s smack in the middle of his prime and has shown he can contribute on both ends of the floor. More importantly, he’s meshed well alongside Cooper Flagg-Dallas’ new franchise cornerstone in the post-Luka Dončić era.
Christie, just 22 years old, came over in the blockbuster trade that sent Dončić to the Lakers. In 45 games this season, he’s putting up 13.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on a $7.7 million salary.
His development has been one of the few bright spots in a turbulent season, and like Marshall, he’s proven to be a strong fit next to Flagg. The Mavericks see real long-term potential there, and it would take a significant offer to pry him away.
As for the players potentially on the move, Daniel Gafford has been a steady interior presence since arriving in February 2024. In 33 games this season, he’s averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game. At 27 and making $14.4 million, he offers rim protection and rebounding-traits that are always in demand come deadline time.
Then there’s Klay Thompson. The four-time NBA champion joined Dallas in the 2024 offseason, but his role has been more complementary than commanding.
In 45 games, he’s averaging 11.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while earning $16.7 million. While he may no longer be the flamethrower he once was in Golden State, Thompson still brings veteran savvy and playoff experience-two things contenders covet.
D’Angelo Russell, meanwhile, has fallen out of the Mavericks’ rotation altogether. The 29-year-old has played in just 26 games, averaging 10.2 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. On a $5.7 million deal, he’s a movable piece, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Dallas include him in a package if the right deal presents itself.
The Mavericks have made it clear that, outside of Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg, no one is untouchable. But when it comes to Marshall and Christie, the bar is set high. Both players have emerged as key pieces in Dallas’ attempt to retool around Flagg, and unless a deal knocks their socks off, they’re likely staying put.
With just days left before the deadline, all eyes are on the Mavericks’ front office. Will they make a bold move to climb back into contention?
Or will they hold firm, betting on internal growth and chemistry to turn the season around? One thing’s certain: the clock is ticking in Dallas.