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The Dallas Mavericks remain “unlikely” to move star Anthony Davis, according to The Athletic’s Christian Clark.
Dallas currently sits 12th in the Western Conference at 19-27. While only 2.5 games separate the Mavs from the Los Angeles Clippers for the final Play-In Tournament berth, they figure to be a seller rather than a buyer ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
NBA insider Marc Stein reported Cooper Flagg is “untouchable” amid his rookie season, but forward Naji Marshall is one player who could realistically be on the way out.
One scout from a Western Conference team told Clark that “half the league is interested in [Marshall].”
However, the Mavs intend to keep the 28-year-old, and “something extraordinary” might be required to get them to budge, per Clark.
Stein reported something similar Sunday, noting Dallas has “established high trade thresholds” for both Marshall and guard Max Christie.
Since signing with the Mavericks in 2024, Marshall is averaging 13.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 52.3 percent from the floor. He’s also making a modest $9 million this year and will earn another $9.4 million in 2026-27, so contending teams won’t have much difficulty accommodating his contract.
Christie, meanwhile, is shooting 45.5 percent from beyond the arc. His 110 makes from deep are already five short of matching is single-season high. The four-year, $32 million deal he originally signed with the Los Angeles Lakers is looking like a bargain.
Flagg is clearly the Mavs’ franchise cornerstone, and they’re operating on the 19-year-old’s timeline.
Were a worthwhile trade offer for Davis to materialize, Dallas might be tempted. The front office needs to recoup some draft capital, and flipping AD for an expiring contract would provide future salary cap flexibility.
But Clark wrote that “Davis’ market is tepid because of his contract status and injury history.” The 10-time All-Star is sidelined until at least late February because of a ligament injury in his left hand.
Maybe moving Marshall is an avenue for the Mavericks to at least get a nice asset or two as they build for the long term.