The Morez Johnson Jr. pick was met with surprise, to say the least, but the aftermath was a likable draft pick for the Dallas Mavericks. That's why it's uncertain if forward Naji Marshall will stay or will be shipped out this season.
Marshall has played some of his best ball since joining the Mavericks, averaging 13.2 points and 15.2 points per game in his two Mavericks seasons. It's the first time he's averaged double digits in points, but his spot on the depth chart looks uncertain. With P.J. Washington, Santi Aldama and Johnson Jr. playing power forward, there's not enough room for Marshall to do the same.
Marshall is a natural small forward, but he would be a clear backup to Cooper Flagg, who's bound to play more than 35 minutes at times. There are other names on the trade market, possibly, but Marshall may be one of them.
Naji Marshall may be on the way out thanks to Mavericks' front court jam
The most obvious trade candidate may be P.J. Washington, but trading Marshall away could give the Mavericks more players and draft capital. Washington has missed 25 games in back-to-back seasons. With the PF position loaded, Washington may be a favorite to be traded, but Aldama and Washington could also play the three, and that still leaves the door open to Marshall getting shipped out.
Financially, it makes sense too. Marshall is on a team-friendly, expiring contract on $9.4 million, and Reese Kunz from Rip City Project also named Marshall a potential trade candidate for Portland. For the Mavericks, it would make sense for Dallas to deal him rather than let him walk in free agency at the end of next season.
With Portland ending up in their own guard logjam thanks to the Ja Morant trade, and Damian Lillard coming back, they may end up dealing someone like Shaedon Sharpe or Scoot Henderson. They are two young guards who can be trusted in due time, but that would still be a way away.
Marshall has quickly become a fan favorite of the Mavericks. He became the unofficial "enforcer" during a scrape with Jusuf Nurkić against the Phoenix Suns back in late 2024. The NBA didn't do him any justice and suspended Marshall for four games without pay. It wasn't what fans wanted to hear, but he became one of those players who want to be on your team.
Mavs fans would miss him, but the return value for Marshall would be incredible. The Mavs are rebuilding, but they may be closer than some may think. A trade for Marshall may tip the scales in favor of the Mavs becoming serious contenders.
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