There’s a lot of work that needs to be done since trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis. The Dallas Mavericks have been struggling to compete in the Western Conference. This season, they’re sitting in 12th place with a 15-26 record.
While Davis was expected to help carry the Mavericks alongside rookie Cooper Flagg in Kyrie Irving’s absence, the big man has proven a liability instead due to a series of injuries. With all that in mind, the Mavericks now plan to ship Davis to another team. However, given that AD is injury-prone, teams are instead inquiring about another Dallas player.
Naji Marshall Draws More Trade Interest Over Anthony Davis
Last Thursday, the Mavericks took on the Utah Jazz. That was when Davis hurt his left hand and tore his ligament. At first, AD reportedly required surgery, which would’ve abruptly ended his season once again.
Thankfully, NBA insider Shams Charania shared good news: The big man didn’t need to undergo the procedure. Davis is now expected to miss six weeks of basketball action.
Given these factors, while technically still eligible to be traded, teams aren’t enticed by the idea of bringing in a player who can’t always be readily available when they need him. Having said that, teams are inquiring about another player from Dallas instead.
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Mavericks have received a plethora of inquiries for $27 million swingman Naji Marshall. He is one of the players teams are eyeing, along with their big man, Daniel Gafford.
“Another key concern for the Mavericks is reducing their luxury tax bill as soon as possible to avoid landing in the second apron next season,” Stein wrote.
He added, “Who can Dallas trade if Davis stays put? League sources say that, in addition to Daniel Gafford and interest in the center from various Eastern Conference teams, versatile swingman Naji Marshall has been generating trade inquiries from rival teams.”
“The Mavericks, I’m told, prefer not to move Marshall, who has routinely outperformed the three-year, $27 million deal he signed to replace Derrick Jones Jr. from the team that reached the NBA Finals in 2024,” Stein continued. “Yet offers for Gafford or Marshall that provide financial relief between now and the deadline presumably have to be considered.”
Given the complexity of Dallas’ situation, the front office needs to act quickly, as there are only a couple of weeks remaining until the trade deadline.
