The Los Angeles Lakers have entered the fray in a heated multi-team pursuit of Dallas Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, a versatile 6-foot-7 forward earning approximately $27 million over the next few seasons (with reports citing his contract in that range amid trade discussions, though his current salary is around $9 million this year with team-friendly extensions). As the NBA trade deadline on February 5, 2026, looms, the Lakers are reportedly competing directly with the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics—two Eastern Conference powerhouses—for the 28-year-old’s services, per recent reports from ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel and outlets like Sporting News and Heavy Sports.
This buzz highlights Marshall’s rising value as an underrated, multi-dimensional contributor who’s having a career year with the Mavericks. The competition underscores how contenders across conferences are scrambling for wing depth and defensive versatility ahead of the postseason push.
Background on Naji Marshall and His Fit
Naji Marshall, a former Xavier product and one-time New Orleans Pelicans role player, has blossomed since joining Dallas in 2024. He provides exactly what playoff teams crave: 3-and-D potential, secondary playmaking, toughness, and positional size at the wing. This season, he’s averaging career-highs in points (around 14+ PPG in recent stretches), solid rebounding for his position, and improved efficiency from deep. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, switch on perimeter threats, and contribute in transition—skills that align perfectly with modern NBA contending rosters.
Marshall’s contract adds to the appeal: While some headlines round his value to “$27 million” (likely referring to total remaining money or perceived trade equity in extensions), his actual cap hit is team-friendly at about $9 million this season and $9.4 million next, making him an affordable upgrade without crippling long-term flexibility. Dallas has set a high bar, reportedly demanding at least one first-round pick for him, and insiders like Marc Stein note the Mavs are reluctant to move him over other pieces like Daniel Gafford, Klay Thompson, or D’Angelo Russell. The Mavericks, sitting at 19-30 and 11th in the West (post the blockbuster Luka Dončić trade to the Lakers a year ago), are in a tricky spot—rebuilding around youth while managing luxury tax implications and lacking control of their own first-round picks from 2027-2030.
Why the Lakers Are Interested
The Lakers (29-19, 6th in the West) are aggressively seeking wing help to complement their core of Luka Dončić (acquired in last year’s shocking trade), LeBron James (still elite at 41), and supporting pieces. Reports indicate Los Angeles is prioritizing “big wing players” who can defend, shoot, and create off the dribble. Marshall fits as a former Dončić teammate—familiarity from their Mavericks days could ease integration, with chemistry already built from shared court time.
The Lakers have dangled expiring contracts like Rui Hachimura ($18M), Gabe Vincent ($11.5M), and others to facilitate deals. Acquiring Marshall would bolster their perimeter defense (a need amid inconsistent wing play) and provide insurance against injuries or playoff matchups. Analysts note the Lakers’ pursuit of similar profiles (e.g., Herb Jones, De’Andre Hunter, Donte DiVincenzo) shows a clear strategy: add cost-controlled, high-impact wings without sacrificing future cap space for potential summer 2026 splashes.
The Knicks’ Angle in the Race
The Knicks (strong contenders in the East, building on their recent surge) have long prioritized wing depth to pair with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. Marshall’s defensive tenacity and ability to guard wings would complement their elite perimeter group, adding bench scoring and switchability. New York has inquired about him alongside other targets, but their apron constraints (near the second apron, hard-capped) make salary matching tricky. They’d likely need to involve multi-team deals or outgoing pieces like role players and limited picks. Landing Marshall could elevate their rotation for a deep playoff run, especially against Boston or Cleveland.
Boston Celtics’ Pursuit
The Celtics, perennial title favorites despite some salary shedding last offseason, remain above the luxury tax and repeater penalties. Marshall represents a low-risk addition for wing insurance—especially with Jayson Tatum’s injury history and needs for more size/defense on the perimeter. Boston has shown interest, but their reluctance to part with first-round picks (per league sources) and focus on ducking the tax via expiring deals (like Anfernee Simons at $27M expiring) could complicate things. If they move Simons or other pieces, Marshall could slot in as a versatile forward off the bench or in small-ball lineups.
Trade Feasibility and Asking Price
Dallas’ stance is firm: They want a first-round pick minimum for Marshall, viewing him as a keeper amid their post-Dončić retool (now featuring Anthony Davis, though his injuries complicate things). The Mavs aren’t eager to deal him over flashier names, per Stein. This high price could deter a deal, but with “half the league” interested (including Detroit Pistons), a bidding war might force action.
Possible structures:
- Lakers package: Expiring salaries (Vincent/Hachimura) + a future pick/prospect to match ~$9M.
- Knicks variant: Role players + protected picks, navigating apron rules.
- Celtics route: Using expiring Simons in a multi-team setup to shed tax while adding Marshall.
Realism check: Deadline deals often fall through due to mismatched assets. Marshall’s value spikes his price, but if Dallas prioritizes youth/rebuild, a move could happen.
Broader Deadline Context
This race fits into a chaotic 2026 deadline landscape: Injuries to stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Ja Morant, and Anthony Davis; the one-year anniversary of the Dončić-Lakers swap; and contenders like the Knicks eyeing bigger fish (Giannis rumors persist). Marshall represents a “realistic” target—impactful yet attainable—amid blockbuster speculation.
For the Lakers, Knicks, and Celtics, securing Marshall could tip the scales toward deeper playoff contention. The Lakers gain Dončić familiarity; Knicks add Eastern grit; Celtics bolster depth for another title chase. As February 5 approaches, expect intensified talks—Marshall’s name will remain central in trade chatter. Whether a deal materializes depends on Dallas’ willingness to cash in on his breakout and the contenders’ asset flexibility. This pursuit exemplifies how role players like Marshall can become deadline prizes in a star-driven league.
