The Dallas Mavericks signed former New Orleans Pelicans swingman Naji Marshall to a three-year contract as their most recent significant offseason acquisition. The team was reportedly interested in the two-way forward a few days prior to the acquisition.
The Mavs may have signed an underappreciated player since the big-bodied wing defender from Xavier University, who was previously an undrafted prospect, shot 38.7 percent from three-point range in the previous year.
After earning the nickname “The Knife” for his hard effort and adaptability, he should be able to carry that over to Dallas.
Marshall appears ready to be the team’s enforcer, so opponents would be wise to reconsider before punching the Mavs.
Regretfully, parting with $9 million annually to get Marshall had probably meant bidding farewell to Derrick Jones Jr., who had become one of the team’s best perimeter defenders during the previous season. In addition, he turned out to be a 2023 free-agency steal and a Mavs fan favourite.
The front office declared him the top priority this offseason, and the fact that he took on the toughest assignments, the most among all NBA players last season, showed why Dallas had to re-sign him at all costs. But as soon as free agency officially commenced, it had become apparent that losing Jones Jr. to another franchise was imminent. So, it probably made sense why the Mavs pivoted to a younger and potentially cheaper Marshall.
Recent news has shown that “Airplane Mode” has indeed taken off and is flying to a different Western Conference contender, the LA Clippers. More than two months after posting 8.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game against and hounding the stars of the Clippers in the first round of the playoffs, he has reportedly agreed to join them on a three-year, $30 million deal.
Some might be wondering if it would turn out to be worth it for the Mavs to let go of Jones Jr. and replace him with Marshall when they could have likely afforded to retain their erstwhile starting forward for just $1 million more every year. However, it’s likely that the organization is trying to be as financially flexible as possible and free up a spot in the starting lineup in anticipation of an even bigger move in the coming days.
While it’s sad to see Jones Jr. go, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about Marshall’s arrival and the possible additions this summer.
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