Anthony Davis injury forces Mavericks into a brutal decision involving fan-favorite

Bad news hit the doorstep of every Dallas Mavericks fan on Friday evening when it was announced that superstar Anthony Davis may need to miss the next few months after sustaining ligament damage in his hand against the Utah Jazz. This news not only throws a wrench in the Mavericks' potential trade of Davis, but it likely means the team will now focus on tanking and acquiring a better draft pick, which may mean a fan-favorite forward could be on the chopping block.

With the Mavericks potentially focused on losing as many games as possible, it could mean the franchise will want to trade any veterans who have positive value, and this list could include Naji Marshall. Marshall, to begin with, was already one of the team's only positive assets; however, it's still unclear what kind of market the 6-foot-6 forward might garner if they did shop him.

Marshall possesses a skill set that any franchise looking to win games and make a late playoff push would salivate over. With his guard-like skills, ability to score in the paint, and his incredible lockdown defensive antics, Marshall could very likely create a market for himself that might entice a team to throw in future draft capital or a young player, which would check multiple boxes for Dallas.

Marshall may need to be traded after awful Anthony Davis injury news

With a little less than a month before the NBA's trade deadline, rumors have been flying off the board each passing day. Now, with Davis possibly sidelined for the remainder of the season and tanking what little trade value he did have, the Mavericks need to focus on maximizing their draft value for the 2026 summer.

With that in mind, the Mavs will likely need to part ways with a few veterans like Marshall, Daniel Gafford, and even Klay Thompson. Of those three, Marshall will likely garner the most trade buzz, and while every fan loves what Marshall brings to the floor, Dallas needs to build around Cooper Flagg's future.

Marshall could very well be one of the only Mavericks who has positive value on the trade market, and that includes Davis, which is why the Mavericks need to capitalize on this and get Marshall to a spot where he can flourish. Trading Marshall to a contender would not only be the likeliest of outcomes, but a contending team would also be more willing to throw in draft compensation, and if the Mavericks can get a second pick in this year's draft, that could go a long way.

On the season, Marshall is averaging 13.3 points and 4.6 rebounds per outing, while shooting an efficient 54.1 percent from the field. What makes Marshall an intriguing young wing is his ability to defend opposing teams' best players, while also keeping the defense honest with his insanely efficient push shot in the paint.

For any team looking to acquire a wiry young wing and get better on both ends of the floor, Marshall may be their guy, which is another reason the Mavericks can't hesitate if a favorable offer is sent their way.