Naji Marshall Cashes In On Contract After Career-Best Season in Dallas

DALLAS - Naji Marshall has always bet on himself since the moment he was drafted in the 2020 NBA Draft. On Sunday, that gamble paid off when the Mavericks rewarded him with a new contract.

The Mavericks announced Marshall's extension Sunday without disclosing terms. ESPN's Shams Charania later reported the deal is a fully guaranteed three-year, $52.2 million extension that keeps Marshall under contract through the 2029-30 season. The agreement rewards a player who has become one of the roster's most valuable pieces.

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The financial jump reflects Marshall's rise. He is set to make $9.4 million in 2026-27 on the final season of his current contract and his extension begins in 2027-28 at an average annual value of roughly $17.4 million, which nearly doubles his current salary.

Marshall earned the raise with the best season of his career. He averaged career highs of 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 74 games while making 47 starts. He also scored at least 30 points six times after reaching that mark only twice during his first six NBA seasons.

Marshall's value extends well beyond the box score. The 6-foot-6 forward developed into one of the league's better finishing wings, converting nearly 60% of his 2-point attempts during his two seasons in Dallas. His floater became a reliable weapon and he also provided secondary playmaking, rebounding and the ability to defend multiple positions. Those traits fit the identity the Mavericks are building around Cooper Flagg.

The front office made clear the extension was about more than production.

"Naji has earned this opportunity through the way he approaches the game every day," Mavericks president Masai Ujiri said in a statement. "He is a competitive player who impacts winning in a variety of ways. His versatility, toughness and willingness to embrace every challenge make him an important part of what we're building."

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With Kyrie Irving expected back, Marshall projects to remain a key part of Dallas' rotation alongside Irving, Cooper Flagg, P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II. His role may change from night to night, but his versatility gives Dusty May another dependable option across multiple positions.