With the trade deadline looming, the Dallas Mavericks find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. While much of the early buzz centered on a potential blockbuster involving Anthony Davis, his recent injury has shifted the focus.
Now, all eyes are on Naji Marshall - a versatile, high-motor wing who’s quietly putting together the best season of his career. The question Dallas has to answer: is Marshall a long-term building block alongside Cooper Flagg, or a trade chip that could help jumpstart the next era?
Let’s break down both sides of the decision.
Why Trading Naji Marshall Makes Sense
Naji Marshall is the type of player every playoff team wants come April - a do-it-all wing who brings toughness, versatility, and production without needing the spotlight. He’s not just playing well; he’s thriving.
Averaging career highs in points (14.7), rebounds (4.9), and assists (3.0), Marshall is shooting a scorching 54.4% from the field - good for 16th in the league. And he’s been even better lately.
Over his last seven games, he’s putting up 20.3 points, 5.8 boards, and 4.5 assists per night.
That kind of production, especially coming off the bench in many of those games, is rare. Marshall has become the kind of player who can plug into just about any lineup and make it better.
He guards multiple positions, initiates offense, and brings a gritty edge that’s hard to quantify but easy to recognize. In short, he’s exactly the kind of player contending teams covet - especially when the postseason puts a premium on depth and defensive versatility.
The Mavericks, for their part, aren’t shy about their asking price. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Dallas is holding out for at least one future first-round pick in return. And based on the calls they’re reportedly getting, there’s a real chance someone bites.
Here’s where the long-term picture comes into play. Marshall just turned 28.
Cooper Flagg, the franchise’s new cornerstone, is 19. That’s nearly a decade of difference - and for a team that’s shifting its focus to building around Flagg’s timeline, every roster move should reflect that.
Marshall is on a team-friendly deal right now - $27 million over three years - but that ends after next season. After that, he’ll be due for a significant raise.
And Dallas, already tight on cap space, may not be in a position to offer it. Even if they could, committing big money to a player approaching 30 doesn’t exactly align with a youth-focused rebuild.
This is where asset accumulation becomes key. If a team offers a decent first-round pick, Dallas has to seriously consider it.
The Mavericks are no longer operating under the “win-now” vision that defined the Nico Harrison era. That window has closed.
The new mission is clear: build a sustainable contender around Flagg. That means stockpiling picks, creating financial flexibility, and making tough calls - even when it involves a fan favorite like Marshall.
Why Keeping Naji Marshall Still Holds Value
Of course, the other side of the argument has merit too. Trading Marshall might make sense on paper, but basketball isn’t played on spreadsheets. And if the Mavericks still see a path back to playoff contention next season, Marshall could be an important part of that climb.
Let’s start with the big picture: Dallas doesn’t control its own first-round picks from 2027 through 2030. That means tanking isn’t an option - there’s no incentive to bottom out. And with a top-10 pick coming in the 2026 draft, the Mavericks could reload quickly.
Now picture this: a healthy Kyrie Irving back in the fold, Dereck Lively II anchoring the paint, Max Christie and P.J. Washington contributing on the wings, and Cooper Flagg entering year two with a full offseason under his belt.
That’s a core with potential. Add Marshall to that mix, and you’ve got a team that could realistically push for .500 - or better - next season.
And that’s before you factor in the possibility that Dallas holds onto Anthony Davis or finds a way to flip other veterans like Daniel Gafford or Klay Thompson for assets. There are still multiple paths the Mavericks could take to retool on the fly without going full rebuild.
Then there’s Marshall’s durability - something that’s been in short supply for Dallas this season. He’s missed just one game all year and continues to bring energy, consistency, and effort every night. Whether it’s hitting floaters, locking down on defense, or initiating offense, he’s been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming season.
Players like Marshall don’t grow on trees. He brings a unique blend of toughness, versatility, and leadership that’s hard to replace - especially on a team with so many moving parts.
If Dallas believes it can be competitive again next year, keeping Marshall makes a lot of sense. His contract is manageable for one more season, and the decision about a long-term extension doesn’t have to be made just yet.
The Bottom Line
This is the kind of decision that defines front offices. On one hand, Naji Marshall’s trade value is peaking, and Dallas has a golden opportunity to add a future first-round pick - a valuable asset for a team looking to build around a 19-year-old phenom. On the other hand, Marshall is a glue guy, a proven contributor who could be a key piece in a bounce-back season if the Mavericks decide to stay competitive.
There’s no easy answer here. But one thing is clear: the Mavericks can’t afford to be passive at the deadline. Whether they’re all-in on the Flagg timeline or trying to keep one foot in the playoff picture, the moves they make in the next week will shape the future of the franchise.
And Naji Marshall? He’s right at the center of it.