Jason Kidd sees Naji Marshall's impressive play and explains the contract plans for the versatile wing's future with the Mavs.
DALLAS - The Dallas Mavs sit at 24-50 with eight games to play in a mostly-dismal season.
But there are a few positives to take with them moving forward into the NBA Draft and the 2026-27 NBA season.
An obvious one is rookie Cooper Flagg and his projected brilliance.
A second one is the possibility of "Organic Tanking'' resulting in good fortune when it comes to the lottery and the draft.
And a third? Coach Jason Kidd would like to make a nomination there.
Said Kidd: “There are quite a few guys playing for extensions, so the business side kicks in. That puts the organization in a position to evaluate with all the changes.”
And among those under that evaluation microscope?
Naji Marshall.
Marshall, 28, is playing out his sixth NBA campaign on the second season of a three-year, $27 million contract signed in July 2024. He is signed through the 2026-27 season, earning $9 million this season and over $9.4 million next season.
But ...
He's eligible to sign an extension in July 2026. And Kidd seems to be backing Naji for just that.
“Using Naji as an example, he’s doing the right thing, and we have quite a few guys doing that,” Kidd said.
Our Grant Afseth notes the details of a coming deal:
Marshall will be eligible to sign for up to a four-year, $56.8 million deal this summer. Or, if Marshall were to wait until July 2027, the Mavericks would gain his Full Bird rights and be eligible to sign him for up to five years. Following that path, he’d be eligible to sign for a total of $73.9 million.
Marshall’s career has taken this path because of what Afseth calls a "statistical explosion (that is) is even more impressive considering the defensive attention he now commands.''
In four seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans, he averaged 7.5 points and 3.5 rebounds in 19.5 minutes per game. But since joining Dallas two seasons ago, he's largely doubled those numbers ... to 14.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. This season, he is averaging 15.5 points per game.
What's the secret to his jump?
“Just reading the game a little bit more,” Marshall told Dallas Hoops Journal. “Reading the whole floor, both hands on the floor, getting my team runs involved, and just knowing how to attack matchups and different types of defensive schemes. I’m just learning the game.”
The most staggering aspect of Marshall’s season is his em
The versatility has been equally valuable. Kidd has deployed Marshall in a variety of roles. There have been times when Marshall starts in the backcourt while the Mavericks go with a bigger group. Other times, he’s been leaned on to bring the physicality to a smaller lineup. Through it all, he’s handled the ball more while finding his windows to attack, while still being a defensive player.
“I just love the game, and I’m a student of the game, so I understand it from a different level,” Marshall told Dallas Hoops Journal. “I’ve played many different positions.”
Marshall also has a fan in Flagg.
“Naji is always living up to the moment,” Flagg said earlier this season. “The more intense it gets, the more intense he gets. He’s been a great motor for us throughout this year. He always steps up and makes big-time plays.”
And soon enough, if Kidd gets his way, the Mavericks will be "stepping up'' and paying Naji Marshall in a big-time way.