The Dallas Mavericks are going to be in a rough salary cap situation for the next few years. They’re currently on the books for over $217 million for the 2026-27 season between active cap and dead cap for 12 contracts, and that’s just $5 million away from the second tax apron. They have to clear some contracts, but despite all of the bad deals, they still have one of the best bargains around the NBA.
Keith Smith of Spotrac put together his list of the best contracts across the NBA, and coming in 24th was Naji Marshall, who is owed only $9.2 million for this year and next despite averaging 14.2 PPG, having solid playmaking instincts, and being a good defender.
“It’s only the short length of Marshall’s deal that keeps him from ranking higher on this list. He’s a versatile defender who can pick up 2-4, while holding his own on switches against point guards and centers. Marshall has become a great finisher around the rim. Like Toumani Camara and Herb Jones, if he shot better, he’d rank higher on the list, but would also be paid more, too,” Smith wrote.
The Mavericks hoped Marshall would be a 3&D player, and while the defense has shown up, the three-point shot has not. He’s only shooting 30.5% from deep this year, and that’s up from the 27.5% he shot last year. But he’s shooting 66% inside the paint this year, including 73.8% around the rim. Those are elite numbers.