With the NBA trade deadline fast approaching, the Dallas Mavericks are staring down a pivotal decision that could define the early years of the Cooper Flagg era. After Flagg’s electric 49-point explosion against the Charlotte Hornets-a career high and a clear statement of his potential-Dallas suddenly has a clearer vision of its future. And that future might hinge on what they do with Naji Marshall.
Marshall has been one of the most talked-about names on the trade market, and for good reason. He’s averaging 14.7 points per game this season, doing it with remarkable efficiency, and he's on a team-friendly deal at just $9 million annually.
That combination-production, efficiency, and affordability-makes him one of the most attractive trade chips in the league right now. And the Mavericks know it.
There’s already buzz that the New York Knicks have Marshall on their radar. They’ve got a stockpile of second-round picks-seven, to be exact-and they’re reportedly interested in making a move.
But according to league insiders, Dallas believes it can do better than what New York is offering. And they might be right.
The Mavericks are in a position where they can afford to be selective. This isn’t just about moving a player-it’s about setting the foundation for a rebuild centered around Flagg.
That means getting meaningful assets in return. Draft capital, a young player with upside, or ideally, both.
A first-round pick for Marshall might hurt in the short term-he’s become a fan favorite in Dallas-but it could be the kind of move that pays off in a big way down the line.
Marshall’s value isn’t just theoretical. He’s been consistently impactful all season, and his skill set fits just about any roster.
He defends, he scores efficiently, and he doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make a difference. Contending teams know that, and as the deadline nears, the pressure could push one of them to meet Dallas’ asking price.
For the Mavericks, this is about more than just clearing cap space or collecting picks. It’s about giving Flagg the right pieces around him-young talent that can grow with him, and draft assets that open doors to future moves. If Marshall is the key to unlocking that, then Dallas has to seriously consider pulling the trigger.
Of course, there’s also the financial side to this. The Mavericks are looking to avoid the second apron, and moving Marshall would help in that regard.
But this isn’t a salary dump. It’s a strategic pivot.
And if they play it right, it could be the first major step toward building something special around their young star.
Marshall’s time in Dallas may be winding down, but his impact might just be starting. If the Mavericks can turn his breakout season into the building blocks of a new era, they’ll look back on this deadline as the moment everything started to shift.