Mavericks' move for defensive-minded enforcer named top bargain signing

The NBA offseason is entering its slowest portion ahead of training camp in about two months, and the Dallas Mavericks front office is still hard at work.

Over the last two weeks, Dallas has made a flurry of moves that includes signing Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal and signing Jamarion Sharp to a deal. The Mavs are strengthening their roster to make a run back at the NBA Finals next year, and they're doing so by adding excellent shooters and defenders.

The Mavs added one of the greatest shooters of all time in Klay Thompson early into free agency, but their initial move of free agency was for a defensive-minded enforcer who can't wait to get to work.

Mavericks signing Naji Marshall was an absolute steal

Dallas signed Naji Marshall to a three-year, $27 million deal on the first night of free agency, and Fran Leiva of Fadeaway World labeled it one of the "Best Value-For-Money Deals Of The 2024 NBA Free Agency."

Last season for the New Orleans Pelicans, Marshall averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and shot 38.7 percent from downtown. Marshall took huge strides as a shooter last season, and the Mavs got a huge steal by signing him to this deal at this price.

$9 million annually for a player who is an elite 3-and-D wing who may even have a chance to start at some point next season is a great bargain for Dallas. Marshall's game is similar to that of Derrick Jones Jr., and Mavs fans will quickly fall in love with him.

With Marshall on the court, no one is going to lay a hand on Luka Doncic or Kyrie Irving. Marshall embraces his role of being the enforcer and doing the dirty work, and his tenacity on both ends is what makes him special.

Offensively, Marshall is more dynamic than Jones Jr. was, and he still has untapped potential as a growing playmaker and slasher. He isn't someone who is going to consistently create his own shot, but he has a decent handle and is a good passer in open space.

Defensively, Marshall is tremendously underrated as he has the body type to lock down big wings but the foot speed to stay with some of the league's best guards. His defense at the point of attack is much better than anyone gives him credit for.

Marshall is going to step into a role that gives him the opportunity to guard the best players in the NBA on one end while getting exceptionally open looks from downtown on the other end, and the Mavs signing him at that value is a crazy good deal.

He is going to outplay that contract quickly, and they have a young asset to have as part of their core for years to come.