Mavericks' bold trade deadline plans will make fans smile if latest report is true

The NBA trade deadline is less than 24 hours away, and the Dallas Mavericks started their Wednesday off with a splash by trading Anthony Davis, D'Angelo Russell, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy to the Washington Wizards. Many Mavericks fans wanted Davis gone to get some closure from the Luka Doncic trade, and these same fans are going to be happy when they hear about Dallas' plan for two of their best players ahead of the trade deadline.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "Dallas does not want to trade Naji Marshall or Christie," (subscription required). This is great news, as the Mavericks clearly view them both as key pieces of the Cooper Flagg era, and the Anthony Davis trade made it even more likely that both players remain with the Mavericks beyond tomorrow's trade deadline.

The Mavericks were searching for future financial flexibility to more easily build around Flagg, and that's exactly what they got from the Wizards. Khris Middleton, Malaki Branham, and Marvin Bagley II are all on expiring contracts, and they no longer have to trade Marshall to free up future cap space.

Mavericks want to keep Naji Marshall and Max Christie

Dumping the final two years of Davis' three-year, $175 million contract is a dream come true for Dallas, and their hope to keep Christie and Marshall in Dallas is bound to make fans happy after the front office pulled off this massive trade on Wednesday.

Christie has been the sole silver lining of the Luka Doncic trade for Dallas this season, as he is averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting a career-high 43.4 percent from downtown. Mavs fans have fallen in love with his team-first attitude and knockdown 3-point shooting, and he is looking like the perfect long-term fit next to Flagg.

He is just 22 years old, stretches the floor, and plays outstanding perimeter defense. Every team needs 3-and-D wings, and Christie looks like he could grow into a star one day as his offensive versatility continues to grow.

He and Marshall have formed a dynamic duo during Dallas' injury-riddled stretch, and the Mavericks have no interest in breaking up this positive mojo. They already achieved their main goal of clearing up their books by trading Exum, Russell, Davis, and Hardy, who were mostly bad contracts, and now they can focus on preparing to push for the playoffs next season.

Both Christie and Marshall should play a major role in this, and time will tell whether the Mavericks decide to move either one of these players. All signs are pointing to them staying, and Mavs fans should be thrilled that they aren't hunting trades for either player.

Dallas clearly has a bright future ahead with Cooper Flagg, and Naji Marshall and Max Christie will help make this future even more promising.