Spurs Eyeing Naji Marshall in Potential Trade with Division Rival Mavericks
With the NBA trade deadline just two weeks away, the San Antonio Spurs are in a position that demands action. After an up-and-down stretch marked by inconsistent shooting and the absence of Devin Vassell, San Antonio is clearly in need of reinforcements-especially on the wing.
The good news? There’s a potential solution out there.
The catch? It might come from a division rival.
The Spurs have been hampered by more than just Vassell’s time off the court. Veteran forward Harrison Barnes, once a reliable floor spacer, has seen his three-point shooting take a noticeable dip. Once among the league’s elite from deep, Barnes has regressed to merely above average, which has only amplified the team’s need for more offensive firepower.
Initially, it looked like the Spurs might have a shot at either Herb Jones or Trey Murphy III-two ideal targets from the New Orleans Pelicans. But with both players reportedly off the market, San Antonio may need to shift its focus elsewhere. That “elsewhere” could be just up I-35 in Dallas.
Enter Naji Marshall.
Why Naji Marshall Makes Sense for San Antonio
Marshall isn’t the prototypical sharpshooter-he’s hitting just 30.3% from beyond the arc this season-but his game offers a lot more than just perimeter scoring. He’s averaging 14.2 points per game while converting a scorching 54.1% of his two-point attempts. He’s physical, aggressive, and thrives attacking the rim-think of him as a bigger, bouncier version of Keldon Johnson.
What sets Marshall apart is his ability to score in the in-between areas. His floater game is legit, giving the Spurs a midrange threat they don’t currently have in abundance. He’s not just barreling to the rim; he’s picking his spots, using touch and timing to finish plays in traffic.
Defensively, Marshall isn’t a lockdown guy, but he’s gritty. He plays with an edge, the kind of player who can frustrate opponents with his physicality and effort. That’s the type of presence San Antonio could use on the perimeter-especially when they want to go small without sacrificing size or toughness.
How He Fits into the Rotation
Let’s be clear: Marshall likely wouldn’t crack the starting five right away, especially with his 6'6" frame making him more of a natural small forward than a power forward. But that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have a big role.
One potential adjustment could be starting Julian Champagnie at the four, sliding Barnes to a bench role, and using Marshall as a key piece of the second unit. That would give the Spurs a deep 10-man rotation featuring:
Starters:
- De’Aaron Fox
- Stephon Castle
- Devin Vassell
- Julian Champagnie
- Victor Wembanyama
Bench Unit:
- Dylan Harper
- Keldon Johnson
- Naji Marshall
- Harrison Barnes
- Luke Kornet
That’s a group with size, shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility. Marshall would bring a different flavor to that second unit-someone who can drive, finish, and defend wings without needing the ball in his hands to be effective.
What Would It Cost?
Here’s where it gets tricky.
Marshall is on a team-friendly deal-under $10 million this season and next-which makes him an attractive asset for any team, especially one looking to trim salary or retool. If the Mavericks are indeed heading toward a rebuild or at least a reset, they might be open to moving Marshall. But it won’t come cheap.
One potential package the Spurs could offer includes relinquishing their rights to the 2030 pick swap they currently hold from Dallas, tossing in a high second-round pick (possibly via the Pelicans), and including Kelly Olynyk for salary matching. In return, the Spurs would receive Marshall and D’Angelo Russell, who could be bought out immediately.
Why would Dallas consider it? For one, they’re short on future first-round picks between 2027 and 2031.
Reclaiming the 2030 swap gives them back some flexibility. Offloading Russell’s contract also clears cap space, and they’d pick up a potentially valuable second-rounder in the process.
Would Dallas Actually Help San Antonio?
That’s the million-dollar question. Would the Mavericks really help a division rival get better?
History suggests it’s not out of the question. The Spurs and Mavs have made deals before-most recently just a year and a half ago. And with San Antonio holding swap rights on one of Dallas’ future first-rounders, there’s already a level of intertwined interest between the two franchises.
If the Spurs can put together a package that makes financial and strategic sense for Dallas, there’s no reason to think the Mavericks wouldn’t at least pick up the phone.
And if that call leads to Naji Marshall suiting up in silver and black? San Antonio would be adding a tough, versatile wing who fits the timeline, complements their stars, and addresses some of the team’s most pressing needs-on both ends of the floor.
In a tight Western Conference, that kind of move could make a real difference.