Knicks’ Perfect Trade Target Might Be on the Mavs

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches the trade deadline on February 5, 2026, the New York Knicks—sitting comfortably in the Eastern Conference playoff picture with a strong core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson—are actively seeking upgrades to push them toward their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999. Amid rumors swirling around the Dallas Mavericks’ roster, one player stands out as a near-perfect fit for New York’s needs: versatile forward Naji Marshall.

The Mavericks, struggling at 12-22 and reeling from injuries to Anthony Davis and other key pieces, have been open to trade discussions for several players, including Marshall, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and even Davis himself. Marshall, a 27-year-old wing averaging around 12 points, 5 rebounds, and solid defensive contributions, has emerged in recent analyses as the Knicks’ ideal low-risk, high-reward addition.

Why Naji Marshall Fits the Knicks Perfectly

New York already boasts elite defense and scoring from Brunson and Towns, but depth on the wing remains a concern. Anunoby and Bridges handle heavy minutes, while younger options like Kevin McCullar Jr. and Mohamed Diawara are still developing. Marshall brings immediate positional versatility—he can guard multiple positions, defend off-ball shooters, bigger wings, and even primary creators. He ranks in the 94th percentile of defensive positional versatility per BBall Index, surpassing every Knicks player (Anunoby tops out at the 82nd percentile).

Offensively, Marshall isn’t a high-volume three-point shooter (around 35% on open looks), but his manageable volume and efficiency could improve in New York’s spacing-heavy system with better creators like Brunson. His ability to slash, finish at the rim, and provide secondary playmaking complements the Knicks’ ball-dominant guards and bigs. At his age, he’s a controllable piece for multiple seasons, unlike older veterans who might require expiring contracts or high picks.

Marshall’s contract—modest and team-friendly—makes him attainable without gutting New York’s assets. The Knicks could package expiring deals, young prospects, or second-round picks to match salaries, avoiding the need to touch core players or precious first-rounders.

The Mavericks’ Motivation to Deal

Dallas has undergone significant changes since trading Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis and other pieces. With Davis sidelined by recurring injuries (including a recent groin strain), the team has struggled defensively and offensively. Rookie Cooper Flagg shows promise, but the frontcourt logjam—featuring Davis, Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and PJ Washington—creates surplus at the big positions.

Marshall, a reliable rotation piece but not a core building block, fits as a movable asset. The Mavericks have explored trades for veterans like Klay Thompson, Gafford, and Davis to reshape the roster around youth. Moving Marshall could net draft capital or help shed salary while maintaining competitiveness. Reports indicate Dallas is “open to exploring the trade markets” for several players, signaling flexibility ahead of the deadline.

Other Mavericks Players Linked to the Knicks

While Marshall represents the most realistic and ideal target, rumors have touched on other Mavericks:

• Daniel Gafford: A rim-protecting center who could address New York’s depth issues behind Towns and Robinson. Gafford’s athleticism and finishing would thrive in the Knicks’ system, but his three-year contract might require more assets.
• Anthony Davis: A blockbuster dream—pairing him with Towns could create a dominant frontcourt. However, Davis’s injury history (missing significant time this season) and high salary make him risky. Knicks insiders like Ian Begley suggest New York would “check in” if Davis becomes available, but the cost (likely Anunoby, Robinson, and picks) is prohibitive.
• Klay Thompson: A shooting specialist who could space the floor, but his age (35) and recent inconsistency make him less appealing than Marshall’s youth and two-way play.

Marshall avoids the pitfalls of these bigger names—no massive salary, no injury concerns, no long-term commitment issues.

Strategic Breakdown for New York

The Knicks’ current roster is deep and balanced, but adding a wing like Marshall elevates them without disrupting chemistry. He provides:

• Defensive versatility — Switchable defense against guards, wings, and bigs.
• Offensive fit — Spot-up shooting, cutting, and transition scoring.
• Low cost — Salary matching via expiring contracts or second-round picks.
• Timeline alignment — At 27, he grows with the core.

This move addresses a clear need: another proven wing to share the load with Anunoby and Bridges. In a loaded East, where teams like Boston, Milwaukee, and Cleveland remain threats, incremental upgrades like this could prove decisive.

Potential Trade Framework

A hypothetical deal could look like:

• Knicks receive: Naji Marshall
• Mavericks receive: Quentin Grimes (or similar expiring), second-round picks (2026-2028), and a young prospect like Pacome Dadiet or Tyler Kolek.

This keeps New York’s first-round assets intact while giving Dallas flexibility and depth.

Broader Implications

Acquiring Marshall would signal the Knicks’ commitment to contention without overpaying. Dallas, meanwhile, continues its reset around Flagg and emerging talent. As the deadline nears, expect increased chatter—Marshall’s availability could spark a bidding war, but New York’s assets and fit make them frontrunners.

In a season where the Knicks are chasing their first Finals since the Patrick Ewing era, adding Naji Marshall from the Mavericks could be the perfect puzzle piece to push them over the top.