NBA Rumors: Naji Marshall, Mavs Agree to $27 Million Contract amid Klay Thompson Buzz
July 1, 2024
The Dallas Mavericks have made their first addition of the offseason.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Mavericks have agreed on a three-year, $27 million deal with forward Naji Marshall.
Marshall averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 66 games for the New Orleans Pelicans in 2023-24.
Marshall will likely fill a bench role with the Mavericks, and his signing could also signal some more changes coming in Dallas. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that this signing likely means the end of Derrick Jones Jr.'s time in Dallas and that this could also be paving the way for Klay Thompson to sign with the Mavericks.
Marc Stein @TheSteinLineDallas pivoted to signing Naji Marshall, league sources say, after <br>unexpectedly conceding tonight that it likely would not have the wherewithal to retain Derrick Jones Jr. while the Mavs focus on the sign-and-trade pursuit of Klay Thompson. ESPN first reported Marshall deal.
Dallas went 50-32 and finished as the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference. It reached the NBA Finals, where the Boston Celtics would eliminate the Mavericks in five games.
While this was an impressive run for Dallas, the Finals matchup against Boston showed the gap the Mavs have to close. Adding Thompson would be a huge help with that, and Marshall's signing could help Dallas maneuver the salary cap more effectively.
