A breakout second season in Dallas just earned one forward a serious payday. On Sunday, the Mavericks locked in swingman Naji Marshall for the long haul. As a result, one of their most reliable role players is staying put.
Naji Marshall Extension Rewards a Breakout Year
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported the terms first. The Naji Marshall extension runs three years and is worth $52.2 million. Moreover, the deal is fully guaranteed, keeping him in Dallas through the 2029-30 season.
The 28-year-old has traveled a long road to this moment. He went undrafted back in 2020. Then he spent four years with the New Orleans Pelicans before joining the Mavericks ahead of 2024-25.
His second Dallas campaign changed everything. Marshall posted career highs almost across the board. Specifically, he averaged 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 74 games last season.
Furthermore, he started a career-high 47 of those contests and logged 29.5 minutes a night. He also shot a career best from the field and produced six 30-point games. Clearly, the front office noticed his rise.
A Busy Mavericks Offseason
Dallas has hardly stood still this summer. The team acquired forward Santi Aldama from Memphis and signed center Moussa Cisse. Additionally, it landed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher in a three-team deal involving Atlanta and Oklahoma City.
Therefore, the roster looks deeper and younger heading into next season. Marshall should keep his key reserve role, yet he can start whenever the team needs rest.
Still, last year stung. Dallas finished 26-56 and missed the playoffs entirely. However, that was not how the Cooper Flagg era was meant to begin.
Now, with the Naji Marshall extension secured, the pieces are falling into place. Next, the challenge is turning smart moves into real wins.
