As the 2024 NBA Draft gets underway today, a lot of speculation regarding the Dallas Mavericks has surfaced.
According to trade rumors, Dallas is interested in picking Bronny James, and they have also been linked to Jerami Grant and Quentin Grimes.
Although there has been talk that a deal is already on the table and the Mavs are aggressively seeking to move Tim Hardaway Jr., their top goal has not changed.
That was the Mavs’ first objective this summer, according to general manager Nico Harrison, and given his effect from the previous season, it makes sense. Jones Jr. became Dallas’ regular starting wing and had a great defensive influence.
Jones Jr. shot 36.9 percent from three point range and averaged 9.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game throughout the playoffs. When the Mavs most needed him, he elevated his game.
However, there’s always a chance he finds someone else. Jones Jr. may choose to sign with a different club, despite the Mavs’ efforts to clear salary space so they can afford to pay him more (though this seems improbable). Though anything can happen in the NBA and things change rapidly, Jones Jr. wants to rejoin the Mavs.
In the event that the Mavs are unable to re-sign Jones Jr., NBA source Jake Fischer claims that they would be open to signing Naji Marshall. If they do lose Jones Jr., Marshall is a solid backup who played well for the New Orleans Pelicans the previous year.
If the Mavs choose to pursue Marshall, he may be an intriguing match. Marshall averaged 7.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 46.3 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from three-point range.
Marshall is a powerful wing who plays with a lot of intensity, makes clutch shots, and puts in a lot of effort. He might not be Jones Jr.’s exact replacement as a defender, but he would still be more energetic and have superior shooting.
Marshall has the potential to become a fan favorite in Dallas, just like he did in New Orleans.
Keep checking back for all the most recent information on Derrick Jones Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks for the upcoming summer.
