With the NBA trade deadline just a week away, Naji Marshall’s name is heating up across front offices - and for good reason. The 6-foot-6 wing has quietly become one of the more valuable role players in the league, and his two-way impact has the Dallas Mavericks facing a tough decision.
One team watching closely? The Los Angeles Lakers, who’ve already expressed interest in bringing Marshall to L.A.
Marshall’s game is tailor-made for the modern NBA. He’s long, athletic, and thrives in the kind of glue-guy role that championship contenders covet.
This season, he's averaging 14.7 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting a scorching 54.4% from the field - numbers that speak to both his efficiency and his growing confidence. He’s not just filling a role; he’s elevating it.
That’s exactly why the Lakers are circling. They need a wing who can guard multiple positions, knock down shots, and bring energy on both ends of the floor.
Marshall checks every box. But here’s the catch - if you’re Dallas, trading him to the Lakers is more than just a basketball move.
It’s an emotional one. And one that could hit the fanbase like a punch to the gut.
The memory of Luka Dončić being dealt to Los Angeles last season still stings in Dallas. That blockbuster trade sent shockwaves through the league and left Mavericks fans reeling.
So the idea of sending another key piece - and one of Dončić’s closest teammates - to the same franchise? That’s a tough sell, no matter what’s coming back in return.
From a pure basketball standpoint, there’s a case to be made for keeping Marshall. At 28, he’s in his prime and has shown he can be a foundational piece alongside rising star Cooper Flagg.
The Mavericks haven’t fully committed to a rebuild, especially with Anthony Davis still in the fold, and Marshall’s presence gives them flexibility. He’s the kind of player who can help a young core grow while also contributing to winning basketball right now.
But there’s also the business side of the league to consider. Marshall’s value may never be higher.
If Dallas is looking to stockpile draft capital or young assets, this could be the moment to strike. A future first-round pick in exchange for Marshall would be a significant return - especially if the team decides to pivot toward a full rebuild around Flagg.
That’s where the Lakers come in. They see a window to add a high-impact player at a relatively low cost.
Marshall’s contract is manageable, his production is undeniable, and his fit alongside their current roster is seamless. For L.A., this could be a move that strengthens their rotation for both the present and whatever comes after the LeBron era.
Whether or not serious trade talks have taken place between the two sides remains unclear. But the Lakers’ interest is real.
And for Dallas, the clock is ticking. The front office has to weigh the potential return against the optics - and emotion - of sending another fan favorite to a team that already took their franchise player.
The next few days could define the Mavericks’ direction for the next several seasons. Do they hold onto Marshall and continue building around their current core? Or do they cash in now, even if it means dealing with a franchise that’s already left a scar on the fanbase?
One thing’s for sure: Marshall’s name isn’t going anywhere. And as the deadline approaches, the pressure only builds.