The Golden State Warriors are heading into December with a backcourt that’s suddenly overflowing. With Seth Curry now in the fold and De’Anthony Melton set to return soon, Steve Kerr’s rotation is getting crowded at the guard spots.
That kind of depth is a good problem to have-until it starts to create logjams and redundancy. And right now, it’s clear the Warriors are reaching a point where a consolidation move could help balance out the roster.
Kerr has never shied away from going small, but even he knows there’s a limit. Adding another big man only makes sense if it’s someone who can demand 30 minutes a night-otherwise, it’s just another body in a rotation that’s already tight.
That’s why the forward position stands out as the most logical area to target. Enter Naji Marshall, a name that’s flying under the radar but could be exactly what Golden State needs.
Marshall, currently with the Dallas Mavericks, has quietly carved out a role as a reliable two-way wing. He’s not flashy, and he’s not the kind of player who dominates headlines.
But he does a lot of the little things that help teams win. This season, he’s averaging 12.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in just under 27 minutes per game.
Those numbers are steady, and they mirror what he did in his first year with Dallas. He’s not going to stretch the floor much-his three-point shot is still a work in progress-but he finishes well around the rim and brings a physical presence that the Warriors’ current roster lacks in the forward spots.
What makes Marshall particularly intriguing is his contract. He’s in the second year of a three-year, $27 million deal-a manageable number for a team like Golden State that’s trying to stay flexible financially.
That salary also happens to line up closely with Buddy Hield’s, who has struggled to find a consistent role since joining the Warriors. With Melton and Curry both commanding backcourt minutes, Hield could find himself even further down the pecking order.
That opens the door for a potential swap that helps both sides.
Of course, any deal involving Dallas would likely require a third team due to cap constraints-the Mavericks are over the first apron and can’t take back more salary than they send out. But the framework makes sense: Hield for Marshall, with the Warriors getting a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute without needing the ball in his hands.
This kind of move wouldn’t just be about the present, either. With Jonathan Kuminga’s trade eligibility opening up on January 15, Golden State could be eyeing bigger swings down the line.
Marshall would give them some insurance at the forward spot, especially if Kuminga ends up being part of a larger package. And if the front office decides not to chase a star, Marshall represents a more affordable, lower-risk addition who fits the Warriors’ system and timeline.
There’s always the allure of swinging big-pairing Hield’s contract with Kuminga and draft capital for a marquee name. But that kind of move comes with risk, and it’s not always easy to find the right match. Marshall, on the other hand, is a plug-and-play option who could help stabilize the rotation and give Kerr more lineup flexibility.
He won’t make the highlight reels, but he might just help the Warriors win a few more games. And in a Western Conference that’s as competitive as ever, that could make all the difference.