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Mavs Lock In Naji Marshall: 3-Year Extension Official
Mavericks Lock In Naji Marshall With Big New Contract
What Happened?
The Dallas Mavericks have officially signed forward Naji Marshall to a multi-year contract extension. The team announced the news in a press release, keeping one of their key players in Dallas for the long haul.
Important Note: The press release quotes "Mavericks president Masai Ujiri" — but Masai Ujiri is actually the president of the Toronto Raptors. The Mavericks’ leadership includes Governor Patrick Dumont, CEO Rick Welts, and General Manager Nico Harrison. We’re sharing the quote exactly as it appeared in the original announcement.
What Did The Team Say?
“Naji has earned this opportunity through the way he approaches the game every day. 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.”
— Team Statement (attributed to Masai Ujiri in the official release)
Contract Details: The Numbers
According to NBA insider Shams Charania (ESPN), here’s the breakdown:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Length | 3 years |
| Total Value | $52.2 million |
| Guaranteed | Fully guaranteed |
| Current Season (2026–27) | $9.4 million (existing contract) |
| Extension Starts | 2027–28 season |
Key Point: This new deal nearly doubles his previous 3-year, $27 million contract signed in the 2024 offseason.
Who Is Naji Marshall? (ELI5 Version)
Imagine a player who:
- Wasn’t picked in the NBA Draft (2020)
- Worked his way up from the New Orleans Pelicans (4 seasons)
- Became a starter and core piece for the Mavericks
- Plays hard every single night
That’s Naji Marshall.
His Breakout Season (2025–26)
- 15.2 points per game
- 4.7 rebounds
- 3.3 assists
- 1.1 steals
- 74 games played (47 starts)
- 29.5 minutes per game
What Makes Him Special?
The "Floater King"
- Only 30% career 3-point shooter (on low attempts)
- But 59.8% on two-pointers with Dallas (7.7 attempts per game)
- Has an elite floater shot — a high, soft shot over defenders that’s very hard to block
Two-Way Player
- 6’6”, 220 lbs — strong, athletic frame
- Versatile defender — can guard multiple positions
- Solid rebounder for a wing
- Smart passer — makes the right play, not just the highlight play
Why This Matters for the Mavs
- They kept a rising star — Other teams wanted to trade for him (per Marc Stein), but Dallas said no
- Continuity — He knows the system, teammates, and city
- Value deal — $17.4M/year for a 28-year-old two-way starter is team-friendly in today’s NBA
- Culture fit — "Toughness," "versatility," "willingness to embrace every challenge" — exactly what coaches love
Summary
The Dallas Mavericks have secured Naji Marshall for three more years at $52.2 million fully guaranteed. After going undrafted in 2020, Marshall has blossomed into a reliable two-way starter — averaging 15+ points with elite finishing around the rim (60% on 2-pointers), strong defense, and high motor. The team fended off trade interest to keep him, signaling he’s a core piece of their future. His extension kicks in after the 2026–27 season, giving Dallas stability and a high-character player who "impacts winning in a variety of ways."
FAQ
How much will Naji Marshall make per year on average?
About $17.4 million per year over the 3-year extension ($52.2M ÷ 3).
Was he a high draft pick?
Nope! He went undrafted in 2020 out of Xavier University. He earned everything through hard work.
Why is his 3-point percentage low but he’s still valuable?
He doesn’t shoot many 3s, but he’s elite at scoring inside the arc — especially on floaters (high, soft shots over defenders). He converts nearly 60% of his two-point attempts, which is fantastic for a wing.
Did other teams want to trade for him?
Yes. Reporter Marc Stein said the Mavs "consistently resisted trade interest" in Marshall before signing him long-term.
When does the new contract start?
He plays the 2026–27 season on his current $9.4M deal, then the 3-year, $52.2M extension begins in 2027–28.
