As the NBA trade deadline looms on February 5, the Dallas Mavericks are shaping up to be one of the more active teams on the seller’s side of the market. With their roster in flux and big-picture questions about their core, Dallas appears open to reshaping its future-potentially around a young cornerstone like Cooper Flagg-while also gauging how far they can go this season with a healthy Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
One name drawing considerable attention: Naji Marshall.
The 6-foot-7 wing is in the midst of his best season as a pro, averaging 14.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.1 steals per game. Marshall’s blend of defensive versatility and offensive efficiency has made him a hot commodity in a market that’s noticeably thin on quality wings. He’s also on a team-friendly deal-three years, $27 million-which only adds to his appeal for teams looking to bolster their rotation without blowing up their cap sheet.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks are seeking at least a first-round pick in return for Marshall. That’s a steep ask, but not an unreasonable one given the scarcity of reliable two-way wings available right now. Teams like the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons have reportedly expressed interest, and as the deadline nears, that list could easily grow.
League insiders believe Dallas could very well get their asking price. As ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel noted, “Due to the lack of wing talent on the trade market this season and the demand for such players increasing, Marshall is expected to drive a significant market.” In other words, the Mavs are sitting on a valuable trade chip-and they know it.
Marshall isn’t the only Maverick drawing interest. Max Christie has quietly elevated his game over the past month and is now being viewed as another player with real upside.
Over his last 20 games, Christie is averaging 14.6 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, while shooting an eye-popping 49% from the field, 45% from three and 91% from the free-throw line. That kind of efficiency is hard to ignore, especially from a young guard still on the rise.
Dallas reportedly has a high threshold for any deal involving Christie, and rightfully so.
But perhaps the most likely Maverick to be moved before the deadline is big man Daniel Gafford.
Despite battling ankle issues this season, Gafford has remained productive, posting 7.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game across 30 appearances. He’s a classic rim-running center who protects the paint, finishes around the rim, and brings energy in spurts-traits that are always in demand, especially for playoff-bound teams looking to shore up their frontcourt depth.
NBA reporter Evan Sidery has identified Gafford as the Maverick most likely to be traded. And it’s not just idle speculation-teams like the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers and Charlotte Hornets are all reportedly in the mix. Gafford’s new three-year, $54.38 million extension kicks in next season, making him a long-term piece for any team that lands him.
For Dallas, the next week or so could be pivotal. They’re walking a tightrope between staying competitive in the short term and setting up a sustainable future. With multiple valuable assets and a market hungry for talent, the Mavericks have the leverage-and the opportunity-to make some meaningful moves.