Mavericks' uncovered trade rumor could create a tough offseason decision

There was no question that Naji Marshall was a desirable trade candidate before the deadline, so much so that the Dallas Mavericks had to double down on their stance, explicitly stating they “do not want to trade” him. Nonetheless, we’ve now learned the Philadelphia 76ers were among the teams targeting Marshall, which makes this upcoming summer especially interesting, considering he could once again emerge as a viable trade candidate.

With teams poised to be calling the Mavericks once again, Dallas will have to decide whether they want to keep him or move on. This won't be an easy decision.

76ers previously targeted Naji Marshall at trade deadline

In a detailed report on Daryl Morey’s tenure as president of basketball operations for the 76ers, published by PhillyVoice, Adam Aaronson listed several players Philadelphia attempted to trade for following its much-maligned decision to move Jared McCain at the deadline. Among those players was Marshall, who fit what Morey was looking for: a versatile wing with multiple years remaining on his contract.

That was exactly what Marshall offered. He still had one-and-a-half seasons remaining on an easily movable contract. While another player of a similar ilk, Ayo Dosunmu, was also coveted by the Sixers, Morey reportedly passed on the now-Minnesota Timberwolf because of his impending free agency.

That’ll soon be Marshall, who is entering the final year of the three-year, $27 million pact he signed with the Mavericks in 2024. Yet, unlike at the trade deadline, the 76ers (or any other team interested in acquiring Marshall) would get a full season of the 28-year-old and, perhaps most importantly, his Bird rights.

Why Naji Marshall could become a trade candidate this summer

For any rival team to sign Marshall in unrestricted free agency would be next to impossible, considering the most likely avenue to do so would be via the non-taxpayer mid-level exception, projected to be worth roughly $16 million annually. Whoever holds Marshall’s Bird rights, meanwhile, would be able to offer a far more substantial contract.

That’s why trading for Marshall, or players in similar circumstances, represents one of the best avenues for several cash-strapped contenders. Meanwhile, as a Western Conference bottom-feeder, the Mavericks have little reason to retain Marshall beyond this season. He is a fan favorite and a versatile contributor, but he'll be 29 years old by the time he signs his next contract and is not necessarily the type of player Dallas should be splurging on.

Thus, Marshall’s uncertain future could make Dallas’ summer much busier than expected. Beyond the draft, the Mavericks will not be able to make many moves, as nearly every standard roster spot is already filled. As a result, trades represent the only real avenue for Dallas to improve its roster.

With Marshall already receiving tangible interest around the league, he could ultimately become the player Dallas moves this offseason. He is both still ascending, even as he nears 30, and easily attainable at roughly $9 million annually. Don't be surprised if the 76ers, or another team in need of versatile wing depth, makes a serious run at the Mavericks’ second-leading scorer from a season ago.

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