Dallas Mavericks Announce Signing of New Orleans Pelicans Forward Naji Marshall

Marshall signs with the Mavericks using part of their mid-level exception

Mar 24, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Naji Marshall (8) grabs the rebound in the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports / Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Dallas Mavericks have officially signed forward Naji Marshall, formerly of the New Orleans Pelicans. Reports indicate Marshall has signed a 3-year, $27 million contract that will be part of Dallas' mid-level exception. This is the second transaction made official by the Mavericks on Saturday, as they announced the Quentin Grimes for Tim Hardaway Jr. trade earlier in the afternoon.

Dallas would've preferred to bring back Derrick Jones Jr. and offered him the same contract that was given to Marshall. As things looked like Jones would be heading elsewhere, Nico Harrison and the Mavs quickly pivoted to Marshall as a secondary option and secured him.

The Dallas Mavericks announced today that they have signed forward Naji Marshall. pic.twitter.com/Fiw7aaJmIT

— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) July 7, 2024

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Marshall started his NBA career as an undrafted free agent out of Xavier and made a name for himself as a versatile swing forward who could guard multiple positions. His three-point shot started falling this past season, hitting them at a 38.7% clip. If he keeps that shooting up, he'll be seeing a lot of playing time alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

The Pelicans had a logjam of versatile wings last season between Marshall, Herb Jones, Trey Murphy III, and Dyson Daniels to pair with their star duo of Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson. They've traded away Daniels and let Marshall walk in free agency but added in Dejounte Murray. Some insiders have reported New Orleans could be looking to move Ingram for the right package, though.

Dallas has still yet to announce the sign-and-trade to acquire Klay Thompson while sending Josh Green to Charlotte. They could be looking to give Klay his own day for announcements as he is a future Hall of Famer.

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