Mavericks quietly near an uncomfortable trade conversation involving a core piece

In just two years, Naji Marshall has become a beloved figure in Dallas. Whether it’s his interactions with fans, his willingness to stand up for teammates, or his steady improvement each season, he’s easy to root for.

But the Mavericks may soon face a difficult decision about his future. Marshall will turn 30 next January and is entering the final year of his contract. That puts Dallas in a tricky spot. Either keep a valuable contributor and risk an overpay, or trade him now to recoup assets before it’s too late.

It’s not the most cut-and-dry proposition, but the latter ultimately feels like the smarter, if slightly uncomfortable, choice. Marshall has transformed into a starting-caliber wing whose ball-handling and playmaking are necessary for the Mavericks. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say Marshall was one of the NBA’s best free agent signings of the 2024 offseason. After all, Dallas landed him on a meager three-year, $27 million deal.

Naji Marshall's contract puts Dallas at a crossroads

Still, earning such a relatively modest sum is a double-edged sword for the Mavericks. Marshall is the team’s ninth-highest-paid player, yet arguably its second-most impactful. That’s terrific in the short term, but it also makes it likely that he’ll seek a substantial pay bump when his contract expires.

But it’s not just about Marshall believing in himself after two standout seasons — he should. It’s that he’s 29, meaning this could be the last significant long-term contract he lands. The bigger question is how well his game will age. He's not a high-end athlete, but as a non-shooter who thrives on attacking the basket, that profile doesn’t always hold up over time.

The savviness is apparent when watching Marshall, and that alone suggests he could still be an impactful contributor well into his mid-30s. But there’s no way to be certain, which is exactly why making a clean break now might be the smartest option. The Mavericks are already set at forward, with Cooper Flagg as a franchise-building block, and P. J. Washington signed through 2030. Marshall may just be the odd man out.

Why a Marshall trade makes sense now

Consequently, instead of holding onto Marshall for another season and risking free agency, or committing to a sizable new deal, the best option may be to trade him while his value is at its peak. The Knife averaged career highs across the board last season, and at just $9.4 million, he’s an extremely tradable player.

Jettisoning Marshall to a team in need of a starting wing, or even a high-caliber backup, in exchange for draft capital and guard or center depth would be an ideal outcome. He’s a quality contributor, but Dallas doesn’t have much leverage with just one year remaining on his contract. Still, moving him now is far preferable to waiting until the deadline or relying on a sign-and-trade — in that instance, his value would be all but zapped.

Parting ways with the 6-foot-6 wing would be a risky and uncomfortable proposition. Marshall has become a Dallas fan favorite in just a few seasons. But it may also be a move that needs to be made. Doing so would be a proactive step that could benefit the Dallas Mavericks in the long run as it transitions into a new era.

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