Lively's extension talks can give focus to Dallas' next contract decisions. Naji Marshall and Max Christie have earned new deals, but the timing is far less straightforward.
News that Dereck Lively II is in extension talks has put the Dallas Mavericks' upcoming contract decisions back in focus, and he is not the only Maverick whose future is worth sorting out. Naji Marshall and Max Christie are both extension-eligible, both coming off strong seasons and both in line to get paid like the high-end role players they have become. The question for the front office is whether now is the right time to commit or whether another year of evaluation is the better path.
Marshall has been one of the best value contracts in the league. He was one of Dallas' most reliable scorers in 2025-26, averaging a career-high 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 51% from the field. He did all of that on a contract worth $9.4 million in what is now the final year of his deal.
He got to the basket consistently and carried more shot creation than his role should have required because of Dallas' offensive limitations. He is a physical, connective forward who fits almost any lineup, and reports suggest the Mavericks want him to remain part of their long-term plans.
Christie is coming off the best season of his career. The 23-year-old wing averaged career highs of 12.3 points while shooting 44.1% from the field, 40.4% from 3-point range and nearly 90% from the free throw line.
He started a career-high 68 games and established himself as the type of 3-and-D wing every team wants. He is under contract for $8.2 million next season with an $8.8 million player option for 2027-28, giving Dallas more flexibility with his timeline than Marshall.
There are good reasons to stay patient with both players.
Christie still has consistency to prove. He averaged 13.2 points while shooting 44.2% from 3-point range through late January before averaging 11.0 points and shooting 35.1% from deep the rest of the season. One strong stretch on a struggling team is still a limited sample. Dallas has not yet seen what Christie looks like alongside a healthy Kyrie Irving and Cooper Flagg over a full season.
Marshall has questions of his own. He shot 27.5% from 3-point range in his first season with Dallas and improved to 29.1% last season, well below the 38.7% he posted during his final year with the New Orleans Pelicans. His on-ball defense has also been solid rather than disruptive. He is an important player, but a long-term investment deserves another season of evidence.
The roster also looks much different than it did a year ago. Dallas expects Flagg and Irving to headline the offense alongside Zaccharie Risacher and P.J. Washington, creating a deeper and healthier rotation. Marshall and Christie will have every opportunity to show how they fit within a complete roster instead of one constantly reshaped by injuries.
There is risk in waiting.
Marshall becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2027. Allowing him to reach the open market risks either losing him or paying significantly more to keep him. Christie gives Dallas more control because of his player option, but young 3-and-D wings rarely become cheaper. Reports have suggested both players could command contracts around the midlevel exception, while Christie could approach four years and $92 million if his development continues.
That is the balance Masai Ujiri and the front office must manage. Extend players too early and the team risks paying before the full picture develops. Wait too long and the price often rises or you let someone leave for nothing.
