The Dallas Mavericks have locked in one of their most important two-way contributors, announcing a multi-year contract extension for forward Naji Marshall. After delivering a career-best season in 2025-26, Marshall has earned a long-term role in Dallas' plans with his scoring ability, defensive intensity, and all-around versatility. The Mavericks did not disclose the terms of the extension, but the move highlights the team's confidence in Marshall as a key piece for the future.
Key Points:
- Naji Marshall posted career highs across multiple categories in 2025-26, averaging 15.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 29.5 minutes per game.
- The versatile forward recorded a career-best six 30-point performances during his standout season with Dallas.
- Since joining the Mavericks, Marshall has averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals across 143 games.
- The former undrafted forward has transformed into a valuable contributor after beginning his NBA career with the New Orleans Pelicans from 2020-24.
A Breakout Season Earns Marshall's Reward
Marshall enjoyed the best season of his NBA career in 2025-26, averaging a personal-best 15.2 points while shooting a career-high 51.0% from the field. He also recorded career highs in assists, steals, and minutes, appearing in 74 games with 47 starts for Dallas.
His offensive growth was one of the biggest highlights of the season, as Marshall produced a career-best six 30-point games, showing his ability to impact games as a scorer while continuing to provide energy on defense.
Mavericks President Masai Ujiri praised Marshall's daily approach, competitive mindset, and ability to contribute in multiple areas, calling his versatility, toughness, and willingness to embrace challenges important qualities for the team's future.
Marshall Becomes a Key Piece of Dallas' Future
Since arriving in Dallas, Marshall has continued to elevate his game. Over two seasons with the Mavericks, he has averaged 14.3 points (50.9% FG, 77.8% FT), 4.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 28.7 minutes across 143 games, including 78 starts.
The forward has also developed into a more consistent scoring option, recording eight 30-point games with Dallas after never reaching the milestone during his first four seasons with New Orleans. For his overall NBA career, Marshall has posted averages of 10.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals across 373 games with the Pelicans and Mavericks.
From Undrafted Prospect to NBA Contributor
Marshall's journey has been one of steady growth. The 6-foot-8 forward went undrafted in 2020 before signing with the Mavericks on July 6, 2024, following his first four NBA seasons with the Pelicans.
Before reaching the NBA, Marshall built his foundation at Xavier University, where he earned several Big East honors. He was named to the Big East All-Freshman Team in 2017-18, earned All-Big East Second Team honors in 2018-19, and was selected to the All-Big East First Team in 2019-20.
New Number, Same Mission in Dallas
As Marshall enters the next chapter of his Mavericks career, he will also take on a new look. The 28-year-old forward will switch from No. 13 to No. 3 for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season, continuing his journey as one of Dallas' most reliable and versatile players.
