Why Naji Marshall Was the Dallas Mavericks' Free Agency Pivot Over Derrick Jones Jr & Klay Thompson?

Dallas Mavericks Rumors: The Mavs agreed to a deal with Naji Marshall while Derrick Jones Jr. signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Why did Nico Harrison and the Mavs make that pivot in NBA Free Agency?
Nick Angstadt and Reggie Adetula discuss the Dallas Mavericks' recent moves in NBA free agency. They analyze the team's decision to pivot from Derrick Jones Jr. to Naji Marshall, breaking down the implications and benefits of the new signing. The conversation also delves into the Mavericks' ongoing pursuit of Klay Thompson, evaluating how his potential addition could impact the team's offensive and defensive dynamics. With insights on player performance, team strategy, and future prospects, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the Mavericks' offseason maneuvers.
0:00 The Naji Marshall Pivot Over Derrick Jones Jr
10:10: What Naji Marshall Brings to the Mavs
17:12: Mavericks' Point of Attack Defense Concerns
20:04: Potential Impact of Klay Thompson on the Mavericks
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#LukaDoncic #KyrieIrving #DallasMavericks #Dallas #NBA #Mavericks #Mavs #DallasMavs #MFFL

[@cameronluce6933]

I’m gonna miss DJJ. He put everything on the line every game and I hope that the defense doesn’t suffer

[@EnervatedCowboysFan]

Naji Marshall is DJJ with less athleticism but more skills. Their both menaces defensively , only difference is won’t be as many flashy finishes.

[@iopne4025]

@@EnervatedCowboysFanand a better 3pt shooter

[@edwinblack-rw5xk]

Our defence will take a hit.

[@chessexpertchaney4770]

​@@edwinblack-rw5xkI doubt it grimes and Marshall are better defenders than THJ and djj

[@cameronluce6933]

@@EnervatedCowboysFan yea it’s those flashy finishes are one of the main things I will miss about him

[@tobysrimani1047]

Will miss the springs of flight 55, but excited about Marshall’s 3 pt shooting, DJJ a bit inconsistent.

[@WeedToothBrush]

Not a bit, he was totally inconsistent. Still thankful for DJJ and what he brought to the team. Wish nothing but the best for him going forward.

[@pfunk42]

Unless Luka Doncic gets serious about basketball, lose weight, get in shape, learn how to play without the ball, play defense and lower his ball usage it does not matter who the Mavericks will sign

[@danielhernandez7922]

Naji didn’t shoot a high volume of 3’s, hence the decent (not great) shooting percentage. Guess Nico thinks him playing w/ 77 & 11 can unlock that shot more.

[@allencastro9344]

​@@pfunk42Luka is already playing for his national team, so he definitely takes basketball seriously, just way too much, he really needs to rest

[@Smido83]

Marshall isnt consistent as well. They are a wash in that regard. He was just a somewhat cheaper version of DJJ. Our FO hopes that Grimes or Marshall can replace DJJ defense with a similar offensive production. If one of them can, we shouldbe fine without DJJ

[@SouthernDrinkSlinger]

Derrick Jones Jr wanted to go to LA. It really is that simple. He took a vet min specifically with the Mavs for the Luka effect, now that is value is at all time high... he wants to go to LA with his bag

[@de4ds1ghtcsgo94]

Can't blame him.

[@reececisneros1622]

He got $3 million more which is just going to get wiped out by Californias state tax. Wasn’t a good business decision by him but whatever.

[@StylistecS]

@@reececisneros1622definitely but sometimes business comes before personal.he wanted to be in LA.

[@Alien_Cuts]

@@StylistecS his wahman wanted it

[@turbotravis2323]

Just stings because he said he wanted to stay in Dallas like, 2 months ago.

[@Awaken2004]

From 1y minimum contract to 3y 30M $. Good deal for DJJ. MAVS find him „under the rock” (like Exum) He gives MAVS 110% of DJJ. Thank you DJJ and good luck!

[@nanicattack]

Reggie's heart just sank when Nick broke him the news. Man I'm gonna miss Dr. Jones

[@Lifrit]

DJJ, best of luck to him. Welcome Naji!

[@Someguy8822]

Luka has a tendancy to make those wings better, we saw it with DFS and DJJ and I’m sure Marshall will benefit from it as well. Just be able to hit your open shots. Only thing that concerns me is potentially chemistry issues and losing some athleticism..

[@aaronexile]

Omax taking a leap into the rotation going to hit like crazy 😏🥂

[@AdamHammond-]

Reality: Naji and Grimes were both better than DJJ before 55 got the Luka bump. There is certainly a chance that either or both wind up being upgrades.

[@jeromec1983]

Thank you. DDJ is being overrated.

[@陳竑廷-v3y]

I understand the concept of replacing DJJ by Naji, but if the price is just 1 million difference I may prefer DJJ since he had amazing chemistry with this roster.

[@alexcamp9320]

I’m big into chemistry but over the last few years we’ve seen that it usually isn’t a problem. I think J.Kidd, Luka and the staff have created a good environment. Obvious exceptions like Grant etc but the 2022 and 24 teams had great vibes. I have a belief that the Maxi-Dwight-Josh unit has an effect and to split that up will hurt chemistry, but I’m probably wrong 😅

[@seldom24]

Dude you might as well consider the possibility of DJJ himself wanting to go to LA. We can offer more but he still choose to go to Clippers. The moment he switch to Klutch, we all know he's gone. That is why we switch on Naji.

[@Alien_Cuts]

@@seldom24 yeah, his wife chose for him, happy wife happy life right? just pathetic

[@TheMexicanVaquero]

@@alexcamp9320hell I don’t even think the Grant thing was chemistry like people said it was. Luka and Grant have both said there was nothing their but friendly competition. The Grant thing was a pure team move, they wanted Grant to be a specific type of player he wasn’t so he got traded. So I’d argue we haven’t seen this team really have anyone come in and ruin their chemistry, not even Grant. Cause personally I think Grant was great chemistry for the team, he just wasn’t what we needed on the court unfortunately.

[@alexcamp9320]

@@TheMexicanVaquerothat’s a really good point, I think he was more of a disappointment in terms of play style vs what we expected. Vibes were ok. Also we’ve had guys like Dinwiddie and C Wood do well here, despite reputations as bad vibes guys on other teams. So the vibes are STILL immaculate even though JB is gone lol

[@seldom24]

The moment DJJ switch to Klutch, Nico most probably starts to plan out a plan B (defenitely feel something's off). DJJ clearly choose Clippers over us, he knows he'll earn less there after tax and still go there. This is why I am glad we got Nico as our GM, dude is one step ahead.

[@VonAndrade]

@@seldom24 I don't understand, if Mavs can't sign DJJ yet cos he made a switch to klutch then why can the Clippers?

[@aj3ndhouse]

@@VonAndradeclippers broke the rules and signed him early they will probably get fined

[@VonAndrade]

@@aj3ndhouse If that was the case it would not be a problem with their owner.

[@seldom24]

​@@VonAndrade it is not that Mavs can't sign him, he can verbally agree on Mavs if he wants to just like what he did on Clippers. DJJ just choose to ditch Mavs for LA.

[@williamkent2446]

Look at it the way. Naji is djj upgrade. Klay is thj upgrade. Grimes is Josh Green upgrade (assuming Green is in the trade room GSW)

[@Bokens]

Nick "No Sleep" Angstadt

[@itsathomasthing]

Definitely will miss DJJ's athleticism and finishing. I feel like his presence unlocked a lot of things for us on offense in terms of pace, and those dunks were often game-changing plays. I'm just interested in how the wing rotation shakes out between Naji, PJ, and the other guys, but also how OMax develops in Year 2.

[@JTobias5]

Personally it sounds like there’s more to the story, money didn’t play a role in this signing and to pivot from DJJ. Odds are DJJ was fielding offers and Dallas didn’t want to leave things to chance, who knows tho

[@everydayesteban]

It’s pretty simple it’s called I’m a young black millionaire what the hell am I going to do in the middle of nowhere in Texas.

[@zacharylenson5399]

Save money, because all these black millionaires, 80% if not more now are broke, dead ass broke

[@FlyHiTV24]

Listen Naji Marshall is a DAWG!!! I was hoping we got him can’t believe it. I didn’t know we would lose DJJ though

[@user-HONDA9000]

But we didn’t, he left literally and changed last moment agendas

[@danmoreman954]

I really like what I see on Naji. Love his style of play. I think he will quickly become a fan favorite.

[@poloslim6448]

He's definitely a fan favorite here in New Orleans. He plays fearless and with grit...he will do well in Dallas

[@LucianoCantabruel]

Naji is a move resulted from the obvious need of stronger guys with versatility that can face the rough challenge from big teams. Mavs need to be strong small and big, so that’s why Grime, Melvin Ajinca and now Naji. We need Klay though. Or Jerami Grant. So I suspect that if we get either, then Kleber and Josh will be gone. So lots of work and luck still to come

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

We would have to trade one of those guys to get Klay which is fine. And we do not need Jeremi Grant. Too expensive and all he does is shoot.

[@Smido83]

I can see a Green + Maxi vs Thompson S&T. GSW gets 2 playable rotation pieces for the SG/SF and PF/C backup spot. And for us: Grimes is basically the same player as Grimes, Marshall the same as DJJ. Thompson would (hopefully) be the upgrade over THJ and O-Max (hopefully) the Maxi replacement. So Green's 13.5 Mio + Maxi's 11 Mio vs a 2 year 60 Mio Thompson S&T should work for us. The thing I dont understand... I am pretty sure the Warrios would be willing to pay him that as well. So why is he so hell bend to leave? He wanted max money not long ago, and that was something the Warriors are not willing to pay. We also cant (and we shouldnt). Strange strange strange...

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

@@Smido83 I think the warriors blew their shot with Klay. Now all they can do is sign n trade so they don't lose him for nothing. Nobody is gonna sign him for more than $18M a year

[@Smido83]

@@AdolphSaxOfficial Not sure 18 mio will cut it, unless its a 4 year deal with that money in the 1st year. So something like 85/4... I wouldnt like that, cause Klay is already 34 and is declining. So I think a shorter deal is more likely. Something like 60/2. And for that we have to send out Green and Maxi. Otherwise we are over the hard cap. But thats not allowed if we use the big MLE to sign Marshall.

[@adeoluwaolaiya6260]

Please hear out this 3 team trade: you make the thj to pistons (with 3 2nd round picks) trade a three team deal. Where you send Josh green, maxi kleber, a first round pick and a second round pick for jerami grant and Matisse thybulle and confirm the signing of Naji Marshall. You get your point of attack defence and solidify your defence heavily also adding that third bonafide scoring option in Jerami Grant

[@adeoluwaolaiya6260]

essentially an offseason where you offload thj, kleber, josh geen, 4 second round picks and a first round pick for jeami grant, naji marhsall, thybulle and grimes

[@leonelelias9210]

they basicaly did what you said to get klay(except the kleber for thybulle thing)

[@craigburnett6099]

I am very pleased w Marshall and Grimes. Very smart,very strong, very quick. Dedicated to defense. Often takes on the best 1,2 or 3 on the floor. Dallas and Kyrie needs these guys. Strong arms and hands. I’m very happy w both these guys. Top teams need a couple of guys just like these.

[@iMacaroniCheese]

you add matisse thybulle in replacement of djj's role insteadd of klay that would be more perfect

[@chirocket4791]

Wild change of plans.

[@MeRacko]

Djj was perfect lob partner for Luka when Mavs went small now that is gone

[@user-HONDA9000]

But why does it matter they where usually 7-12 lobs per game only making 2 the rest was Gafford😂 trust me Marshall way better you are going to love his rebound recovery

[@aaronexile]

Omax going to do it now 🙂‍↔️

[@dwrev462]

Naji is the bouncer at the door. He is fearless. 🦾

[@poloslim6448]

I'm going to miss Naji here in New Orleans

[@seppuku-]

@@poloslim6448Hopefully Zion stays healthy and in the gym, he was balling out in the playoffs before he got hurt. 40 points in his first career post season game, impressive.

[@queque5606]

DJJ would’ve definitely stayed if he received more than 10mil a year but his mind was to be in LA for most likely personal reasons since the state Tax is only going to shorten his pay. Wish he didn’t have to go but Naji is a pretty great pick up and watching him during the Thunder and Pels series caught my eye before the signing. Loved his hustle and 3 point shooting for sure.

[@everydayesteban]

I’m a millionaire in my 20’s and it’s way more fun in LA, plus I can legally smoke. Simple

[@queque5606]

@@everydayesteban by NBA standards it’s a bit different but being a Civilian Millionaire I guess it’s worth it lol

[@jamesbittle9789]

DJJ will make less money with the Clippers because of the tax difference.

[@arjunadan3812]

So what are we missing about that?

[@reececisneros1622]

@@arjunadan3812la state tax is ridiculous. DJJ just made a dumb mistake and took less to go play in LA.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

​@@reececisneros1622yes, being rich and staying in LA is a big mistake. 😂

[@user-pk9hq3hk9f]

​@@kpNov23clippers will be lottery team

[@mouseinthehouse_]

@@kpNov23 Who wants to play on a play in team over a finals team? He can live in LA any time he wants, his career however has a finite amount of years.

[@garrettsclips9857]

So sad to see DJJ go. He had a highlight dunk in almost every game after this team found their identity post all-star. So much fun to watch, bittersweet getting Naji who I am excited for and was a great pivot by Mavs FO.

[@oblivionpro69]

I’m worried about how we guard PG’s now.

[@DavidVictoriaReyes-xd9fj]

Grimes, Green, Exum

[@iMacaroniCheese]

thats why matisse thybulle is a must! stop with this klay bs. hear me out nico!

[@MDK384]

Naji can guard 1-3. He's a nightmare for smaller guys cause he's super long and still quick enough to stick. The Pels used him to guard guys like Kyrie and Steph and he also got the LeBron matchup when the Lakers came to town. he's a dog on defense

[@iMacaroniCheese]

@@MDK384 it's not about how better he is than djj. it's about can he fill what djj left. I don't think you understand how they differ in terms of what they can do defensively. with how much elite guards are in the west rn including ja morant. naji is too big, slow, and have no verticality to chase guards thru screens like how djj did. although djj is thin that's what makes him able to do his job being POA defender his verticality, speed and length is what makes him differ from naji.

[@MDK384]

@@iMacaroniCheese i'm not comparing them at all. OP was worried about guarding pg's and i'm just saying that's something he can do. btw the pelicans are in the west, so i'm not sure what your point was with that. like i said, the pels had him guard steph and kyrie and ja. he and ja got into a fight last year. he's just as long as DJJ. they both have 7 foot wingspans and naji is quicker than you think. he's definitely not the jumper that DJJ is for sure though, but my main point was that he can and did guard 1's for the pels

[@elsporko321]

I agree with others that DJJ's decision seems a bit sketchy.. effectively less money, new system where he likely won't be fed like Luka can, and his agent switch timing was less than ideal. But props to him getting paid, he definitely was a warrior last year for us and earned it. Also props to the Mavs for going with Marshall the second it looked like DJJ might have second thoughts. His ill-timed agent change forced their hand and it was the right move, whether you had hopes of DJJ staying or not. I do agree with others that its sketchy that this deal manifested for the Clippers during a silent period, but whatever..DJJ was an unrestricted FA so he could do whatever he wanted, and I'm glad the Mavs didn't decide to wait because we all know how that story typically ends.

[@always_be_safe_5172]

it’s such a toss up btw naji and djjr but naji has better shooting then djjr but that vertically threat and rebounding by djjr was so critical so letting go of djjr for only a million more hurts

[@Smido83]

It wasnt the money... it was the new agency and security for our team. I will miss DJJ and think he was the better option, cause we already know he works within our team and system. BUT Klutch... I am so happy we did not bring those guys into our franchise. They are BY FAR the worst sports agency out there. Cut thoat, back stabbing, they know no loyalty and will poison players minds left and right if given the chance. Dallas wouldnt be able to sign a contract with DJJ untill July 11th. And lets just say after Moratorium a team becomes desperate and offers DJJ the full MLE! Clutch would break every "handshake verbal" agreement we had with them in a heartbeat. And we would be out of options at that time. That agency knows no loyalty or decency... In the end it was DJJ's decision. If he is happy, I wish him all the best. But I am sure he would still be with us (for the same deal) if he would still be with his old agent.

[@C41Ł-g2x]

@@Smido83and that’s the shittttty part people choosing money over team betterment.

[@Sylv1ception71]

I hope Nico knows what he's doing, a lot of MFFLs don't understand DJJ's departure. EDIT : about KT, he's already 34 years old, that's a real concern to me.

[@edwinblack-rw5xk]

DJJ was often our best defender and a massively important lob threat. He also provided much needed athleticism. Not sure why we would pivot away from him.

[@bimalpudasaini3576]

DJJ did not want to be in Dallas. Mavs were willing to pay him the same contract that he'll be getting from clippers.

[@edwinblack-rw5xk]

​@@bimalpudasaini3576 according to who?

[@chessexpertchaney4770]

DJj switched agents so their is a 2 weeks waiting period for the mavericks to negotiate with him the organization did not want to wait so they split up permanently Jones to Clippers and naji with us.

[@MC-ej4to]

I mean I look at it like this right now. Honestly even if we did nothing else. I think Naji is a better player. I think that Grimes could give us something which is better than what THJ gave us which was nothing. Then our other young guys are just getting a little older and a little bit better. Like this team right now is better than the team that was just in the finals.

[@lukaskywalker7791]

I've never researched as many 6'5"-6'7" dudes in muh life

[@blaketownsend9741]

I'm confused bc DjJ just signed with the clippers. So why were they allowed to negotiate?

[@Damehowell7]

Naji is solid but cant convince me he is a better option than DJJ. Its all about fit but we will miss his athleticism which I believe was a big key to the defense & Finals run.

[@duty-bounddead6788]

Very strange situation. The Mavs sign Naji and then a few minutes later, the clippers sign DJJ for basically the same amount. So did the Mavs choose Naji over DJJ or did DJJ choose the clippers over the Mavs?

[@dpend]

$3 million difference, insignificant money for them, life changing money for most of us

[@dpend]

DJJ chased the bag 🤷‍♂️

[@jjwilly13]

Just speculation, but I'd say the 15 day waiting period had something to do with it

[@boristeplitskiy7632]

@@jjwilly13it seems like the Mavs pivoted because they didn’t want to wait to secure him. Maybe it’s because they thought if he didn’t sign officially that he was going to hear more offers and just walk away and leave. And we’d be left with nothing

[@iopne4025]

Switching agents. It wouldve taken mavs 15 days to sign and by then Nico prolly wanted to have everything by today and started making moves

[@EnsleyHatfield]

The hope is that if Josh Green is still on the team that he can continue to develop his on ball defense. He definitely is capable and has the physical tools. Cason Wallace would be perfect for the Mavs, but players like him are very rare.

[@gerlanmanzano8162]

He cant hit shots consistently

[@정민영-b1c]

Terrible at navigating screens

[@SouthernDrinkSlinger]

I cant wait for them to trade Josh Green. Grimes is better & cheaper

[@beastscale1892]

Yep. Green is only 23 are was playing pivotal minutes on the Mavs POA defense. We lost DJJ's athleticism so we can't afford to lose Green's athleticism.

[@jeromec1983]

​@@beastscale1892 Green is not athletic lol

[@david_m157]

Klay is delusional with the Warriors situation he missed 2 years and hes not as good anymore

[@rebornvirgin]

he’s gonna dangle his past championships as leverage i don’t think he’ll take a pay cut with his attitude smh

[@666marchisio]

He not delusional, he is right tho. He gave everything to them, 4 rings and they paid Draymond but not him. Somebody needs to remind them that Steph and Klay are the splash brothers, not Steph and Draymond..😂

[@Damehowell7]

My concern with the recent moves is the Mavs seem content to sacrifice their defense for offense. Its fair to say more offense would have won The Finals but defense absolutely got them there. Its an old school idea but old school wins (just not this year)!

[@R3Y1023]

Love it taking away Kidd’s overplayed favorite players is the only way to make him stop playing bad rotations Naji, Grimes upgraded our wings

[@A7JJ77]

Wow man. Naji Marshall doing Locked on Mavs podcasts already.

[@Shellshok91]

Confused as to the DJJ signing with Clippers but we were worried about a 15 day delay??? So there was no required delay for switching agents after all?

[@joshuaperry2426]

I’m gonna miss djj so much, his defence and lobs were so fun to watch

[@hobbes1232]

How come the clippers signed DJJ if there is this "rule" reported by Cato?

[@Greasmister]

Thanks guys 🦝🦝

[@ptgenpai8537]

Finally, a role player with a good overall offensive bag on the mavs. Mavs only had Luka and Kyrie who were actually able to create some opportunities but now with Naji, he looks like he can score and maybe even throw lobs for Gafford and Lively.

[@glennvastine5713]

Still don’t get it. I thought NO ONE COULD SIGN DJJ until mid July because of the rule but somehow the clippers signed him immediately after we signed Naji, and at a discount it appears. Is this a BS reason not to bring him back? Because why couldn’t we have signed him for the same 3 yrs-30 million?

[@33bigmoney]

Tbh i dont think i will miss derick jones except for some dunks. His offense is to inconsistent especially in playoffs. I know he is a good defender but id rather get a better scorer as we saw is needed vs Boston

[@FreeOfAllFear]

Depending on how good Naji can guard a teams #1 this probably will end up being an upgrade

[@TheMexicanVaquero]

I’ve been in board to a lot of decisions this front office has made. But the pursuit of Klay to me is the first decision that I just don’t get it. It seems like such a high risk high reward move. I think they’re hoping that bring in Klay will give the Mavs like their own Jrue Holiday where Klay can be better because he’ll be a third maybe even fourth option depending on what Lively’s progression looks like, and thus he can focus more on defense as well. But I don’t know, I don’t think we’ve seen any hint that Klay is that kind of player. I legit think he’s either good or he’ll hurt whatever team he’s on if he plays a significant role which is what he wants. It’s just too high risk for me and i get this office feels like they’ve created a team to contend for the next three or so years but still.

[@mazzith]

So how did DJJ get a contract negotiated with the clippers if he couldn’t negotiate with the Mavs due to the agent change?

[@SDesWriter]

He’s agreeing to an offer but his agent can’t represent him to sign the contract for two weeks. It’s basically like a letter of intent in college which means nothing other than that both parties are letting everyone know what’s going to happen once they get the contracts signed.

[@mazzith]

@@SDesWriter everything is at the moment. If you’re looking at the same pay as Marshall received without having an agent represent you, why even hire an agent and have to give them a cut? Hire a lawyer to go through the contract and save money.

[@SDesWriter]

@@mazzith Klutch is developing a reputation for being sleazy and manipulative, but getting their clients more than they would have received (even when they don’t deserve it). Who’s to say that they didn’t make a couple calls to the clippers to set this up unofficially and get him a few million more than the Clippers wanted to pay? We don’t know and will never know, which is why it’s pointless to speculate other than obviously switched agents because he thought it would benefit him and magically he got the contract he wanted in the town he wanted within a day. All that matters is the move he made signaled that he was trying to leave the Mavericks or hold them up for a contract he wasn’t worth. If he doesn’t want to be there, he’s definitely not valuable enough to worry about it.

[@harukinakamura6630]

I see this as a pretty decent trade of you ask me. Im gonna miss djj but tgis is a much better scenario than risking on waiting for him just to be left hanging in the end with neither djj or naji on our roster. Apart from that you got alot younger and najii plays good D and shoots better than djj, you basically got a younger Djj that fits with the mavs moving forward since mavs are a pretty young team.

[@DugSundance]

Naji seems to have a high bball IQ and good decision maker. Andre iguadala type player(not as good ofc) As much as I loved DJJ for us as a weapon, I didn’t trust him with the ball in his hands if it wasn’t a lob or catch and shoot

[@johnbavender9775]

When DJJ switched agents it pretty much made clear that the Mavericks need to look to replace him. Marshall is a better offense player and is physically bigger athlete. Hopefully Marshall will be as good of a defensive player as DJJ. Also, if the Mavericks are able to sign Klay Thompson DJJ would have to accept moving to bench behind Klay as the starter. Naji Marshall will be okay with coming off the bench behind Klay. So, we could end up with starters of Luka, Kyrie, Klay, PJ, and Gafford and a bench of Hardy, Exem, Marshall, Grimes, and Lively. That is a pretty strong team. If there is a way to bring back Spencer Dinwiddie again that would be a good sub for Luka and Kyrie to get them more breaks during the season.

[@lakritz1987]

Why would you get Naji Marshal for 9 mio if you could have gotten DJJ for 10 mio.?! I don’t get it. And Nicks attempt to make it look smart does not help a bit.

[@MG-yj6lo]

Im pretty sure DJJ was their 1st priority but something happened in the backend and the Mavs decided that they cant wait till the market dries up. I wanted DJJ but if the Mavs felt he was holding up things and there were a lot of possible teams DJJ had interest in, the Marshall move made sense. DJJ may be better, but not a lot.

[@zeushualde5627]

just research bro.... you can't make a deal due to djj change his agent....dalllas can't wait 15days to deal with that

[@mouseinthehouse_]

Marshall is bigger, stronger, can guard bigger wings and is better on offense

[@JesusSavedtheEntireWorld]

DJJ switched agents. If DJJ wanted to sign with the Mavs, he would have done it. Switching agents today of all days, preventing the Mavs from talking to him, clearly says that DJJ wanted to leave the Mavs.

[@seldom24]

The moment DJJ switch to Klutch, they know he's gone. Dude choose to go to Clippers at barely 10M per year (would be lot lesser after Cali tax). Dude can easily get more money on Mavs and even those teams with cap space.

[@kennethukoh519]

Question. Was Derrick Jones Jr known as a defensive specialist before this season?

[@michaelpickering1039]

How is it that Dallas needed to wait until July 11th to negotiate with DJJ but LA got a deal done yesterday?

[@MartinVidmar-os8sm]

Marshall and Grimes are upgrade in threes shooting and in defense.

[@F2pPlayerKing]

PLEASE YOU NEW DALLAS FANS THAT JUST STARTED LIKING THEM IN THE PLAYOFFS DONT KNOW WHAT YA TALKING ABOUT THIS IS A 'W' FOR DALLAS AND A BIG UPGRADE IN EVERYWAY .....DJJ DONT HAVE NOTHING IN HIS OFFENSE BAG LOBS/OPEN 3S WHILE HAJI CAN DO EVERYTHING DJJ CANT...THAT WAS DJJ BEST SEASON AND HIS ONLY PAY DAY HE NOT GONNA BE HALF OF WHAT HE WAS WITH DALLAS .... BECAUSE OF THE LUKA EFFECT .... LIKE THIS UP SO YA CAN COME BACK AND SEE 20 GAMES INTO THE NEW SEASON THIS A BIG 'W'

[@F2pPlayerKing]

cant finish at the rim to save his life if it aint a LOB...

[@JorgeRodriguez-re4gu]

People are upset about DJJ leaving but it’s his own fault for changing agents..also he’s going to make less money due to Cali taxes 😂

[@sportfanatic5339]

What Quentin Grimes is to Josh Green is what Naji Marshall is to DJJ. Meaning- Quentin and Naji is more polished than Green and DJJ.

[@edwinblack-rw5xk]

Green is 10 times the player Grimes is

[@brantleybeast]

Kinda what I was thinking

[@suprcrzy]

I report your account every time I see you. Change your fing PFP!

[@utkarshkaniyar6210]

DJJ is so much better than naji in every way. The grimes point I get, although green is better at some stuff.

[@zhanehhylton6868]

​@@utkarshkaniyar6210 what are u smoking bludd naji is better than djj

[@Alex-xn8pq]

If there is a LUKA BUMP how do you explain THJ and Maxi this season?

[@Dzad00]

What if the sign and trade isn’t Josh Green? What if it’s Maxi and Hardy for Klay? Mavs get to keep their only real point of attack defender right now. And GS gets a stretch 5 (on a short contract) that can play with Dray and Hardy to go along with their young guys

[@glanette1]

Im sooo confused. So Dallas had to wait 15 days but no one else??? How do The Clippers get to sign him?

[@OsamaNafa]

Klay is not what you guys think he is. I’m a Mavs fan and I support GSW after the mavs and this is literally a nightmare for me. You don’t understand how fucking bad Klay is. It’s as bad as Tim jr the guy after the injury takes bad shots at the worst times and I don’t understand why we are even pursuing him. If you just want a 3p shooter then there are plenty better options. Hell even Batum is better at this point. Please stop supporting this move.

[@F2pPlayerKing]

your no fan at alll how you gonna have 2 fav teams what kinda BS is that

[@OsamaNafa]

@@F2pPlayerKing I supported the Mavs when we went against GSW. But I’m from San Francisco so I always root for them unless it’s against the mavs. Idk why this was weird for you.

[@EduardoOliveira-zx9ju]

@@OsamaNafa The issue with Klay is he was demanded to produce 25-30 points which is too much for Klay. Playing behind Kyrie will allow him to score 15-20 points. Two 40% starting three-point shooters [Kyrie/Klay] can't be a negative

[@kevinrichards1666]

My Clips needed a point of attack defender. Nice pivot for us. Who gets Klay, Clips Mavs or Lakers?

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

If the Mavs sign Klay, I hope I'm wrong, but I think you guys are too high on him. He is old, the Mavs haven't been doing well with old players. After finally getting things in order, it would be bad to have to waste picks just to ship Klay somewhere else because of a bad contract.

[@mrshaheedmalik]

Mavs are going to get stuck with Tobias Harris. 😂

[@MR-og2nh]

because of a switching aganet. dallas could not negotiate but clipers can?

[@bigsamkay]

In eager to hear opinions on this because it makes no sense

[@Alex-xn8pq]

Maybe the Mavs use Naji to set brutal picks for LuKai. 🗡🙂. DJJ seems to have messed up. Changing agents for no more money than the Mavs were supposedly offering, to leave a Conference Champion for a team that just lost one of their two stars, and back up Kawhi. Would have started for the Mavs.

[@timh363]

hollinger of the athletic said he had naji at 12m a year so getting him for 27n not 36m is a steal

[@eddyj5932]

I don’t think money or the agent switch was the issue with DJJ. I think he wants to start and didn’t want to come off the bench behind Klay.

[@SouthernDrinkSlinger]

If we exchanged THJ, DJJ, & Josh Green for Klay, Naji, & Grimes then the Mavs are a much better team. Klay has taken a step back, but he is still an above average defender. Grimes has always been a solid defender. The Mavs core is still intanct. The reason they lost the finals is because they couldn't score & nobody could make 3s to provide space for Luka to work. The defense was just fine. Bringing in Klay solves that 3rd scorer & legit 3p floor spacer. You just have to hope Grimes, Exum, and/or Naji can provide you enough PoA defense when called upon. If the trade goes down like Woj articulated in the trade machine, You trade Josh Green straight up for Klay and Klay's contract starts at 17.5 million. That means you still have Maxi for the forward depth or a trade piece & you still have 2 first round draft picks. I personally want them to keep their 2025 first since that class is packed full of talent, a solid player may fall to them. Guard Depth - Luka, Kyrie, & Hardy 2/3 Combo Players - Grimes, Exum, & Klay Forward Depth - Naji, PJ, & Kleber Center Depth - Lively, Gaff, & Powell I dont care who the last 3 vet min players are, that is a solid 12 man depth chart!

[@Sylv1ception71]

But you know that he's already 34, right ??

[@bigrhys8684]

And we have omax too if he can step up a little

[@JesusSavedtheEntireWorld]

Josh Green is already BETTER than current Klay Thompson. Josh Green shot better than Klay this season, plays better defense, and HUSTLES. You idiots begging for a Klay-Green trade are BRAINDEAD.

[@a.puerto5667]

Now with Klay on this team, I would love Dinwiddie back. It was very disappointing that he chose the Lakers over coming back. He would’ve helped a lot during the Finals run and probably he could’ve helped winning more than a game in the Finals. Come back Dinwiddie!

[@iMacaroniCheese]

as much as many ppl say we got marshall. we still can't deny how much djj and his role helped this team. i think that will be the mavs main problem next ssn. with so many elite guards in the league we def gon have to replace djj role and that should be matisse. he'll def cover djj's role as an POA Defender in an elite way in terms of blocking and steals. i feel like his offensive game will also improve around luka like how pj adn djj did. i'd rather have him over this crazy big names

[@jimmygreer2140]

I'm really torn on Klay. But at this point I just have to be....in Nico, I trust. I mean obviously even a slumping Klay from 3 is better than what the Mavs have been getting (outside of LuKai) since basically the New Year. So there's that aspect that I like. But I've been hearing that "Klay can't guard anyone anymore" and that he's washed up and a liability. On that I just didn't watch enough Warriors to have an opinion. So I'm just wondering why people are saying this. Is it because it's the truth and scrubs have been blowing by him? Or is it because he was SOOOOOOOOOO good on defense at one time that today his average defense just looks bad? Until I can learn about that, I just don't know how to feel about him being an addition.

[@MC-ej4to]

I mean I look at it like this right now. Honestly even if we did nothing else. I think Naji is a better player. I think that Grimes could give us something which is better than what THJ gave us which was nothing. Then our other young guys are just getting a little older and a little bit better. Like this team right now is better than the team that was just in the finals

[@C41Ł-g2x]

after getting rid of thj we were a lot better team lol 😂

[@CHICHARRO01]

Sad day for Dallas. Stupid outcome for a player that has been the key of our defense and spectacular so many times.

[@zeushualde5627]

naji is much better than djj ill promise you that

[@mouseinthehouse_]

The key to the defense was Lively

[@cameronthorby5799]

is Marshall what they wanted Grant to be defensively? Solid, little slower footed.

[@Olliemavs619]

If they miss out on Thompson (which wouldn’t be a bad thing) they have left themselves enough room to go and trade for Jerami Grant.

[@matthrsh]

And what do the Mavs have that would interest the Blazers? They have like 4 Josh Greens already. Maxi? Nice try. A couple mediocre-to-bad picks?

[@edwinblack-rw5xk]

How

[@destinsuggs5265]

Omax is the closest thing we have to something they would want. Maybe that 2030 pick but that’s insane prediction for Dallas’s future to have any faith in that pick. So if you squint Omax, Josh, and two 1st round picks might be possible but I wouldn’t do that deal if I were Portland. Especially when they don’t have to move him this offseason (or even at the trade deadline tbh). It doesn’t hurt them at all to wait for a team having a bad year to get desperate.

[@JadensWisdom]

What imaginary room do you see😂, I don’t think his contract would allow it( I hope I’m wrong tho)

[@reececisneros1622]

God basketball fans know nothing about the business side of this game and they prove it every dumbass comment they make.

[@krocktheog]

Everything said this morning, even by Windy is that the Mavs seem to be in the driver's seat for Klay. The Lakers would still have to make another move (other than a LeBron discount) to offer Klay the amount of money the Mavs can. No state income tax in Texas either. Plus the Mavs are in a much better spot to win now.

[@thefudgejudge6962]

This hurts, but it would have hurt more if DJJ had shown he could finish at the rim. It just felt like every shot he took was very iffy. Marshall is an upgrade no matter how you look at it. Grimes Marshall for thj djj is a come up. GM doin it again.

[@matthieusaade3616]

I'm lost , did Jones Jr decide to sign to the Clippers or did the Mavs did not offer him a contract?

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

We weren't allowed to negotiate with Jones until July 11th since he just switched agents. Neither side could afford to wait that long to sign the deal.

[@Smido83]

DJJ changed his agent to klutch sports. BUT that means a true contract can not be negotiated for 15 days now. Means a real contract can not be negotiated and finalized untill way after the moratorium. Not to mention its freaking klutch sports, the worst cut throat and back stabbing agency out there. Its sad, but I completely understand why our FO was looking after other options. And Marshall is that. Not to mention that we already got another solid 3&D wing in Grimes while getting rid of THJ.

[@arjunadan3812]

​@@AdolphSaxOfficial Is that the real reason?...Just waiting?...Hmmmm.😜

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

@@arjunadan3812 that's just what's been reported. We'll never know the actual reason things turned out this way unless we hear it from him or Nico

[@mouseinthehouse_]

@@AdolphSaxOfficial So how did the Clippers negotiate with him then? That makes no sense

[@Alex-xn8pq]

RE: Losing our best point of attack defender, the Celtic series showed that no one stops Jalen and Jason and Derick and Drue. What the Mavs failed to do, is make shots and free throws. Early in the series the Mavs were close enough to win if we had made shots.

[@CrystalCanyon100]

Why were clippers able to negotiate with DJJ after new agent. I know it’s not official but that seems like he did negotiate with them. Just seems strange.

[@pennynike1]

Is the change of agent a red herring? DJJ signed with the Clippers short in time after Mavs signed Marshall.

[@ForgettableStranger]

DJJ basically signed for less with the Clippers, didn't he? I mean, I know it's 3 million more total, but the state income taxes in California vs Texas...? I don't understand how he could sign with the Clippers so immediately if the agent issue was in flux

[@ray3ric974]

Marshall is a better defender, shoots a better percentage on 3’s and comes cheaper. I liked DJJ but this move makes more sense for the Mavs.

[@emjaay80]

I am sad that DJJ left the Mavs but when you Look at what happened in the last couple of days (agent change and regulations around it) Mavs are surely not to blame. Weird move from DJJ, just played the finals and leaves that team for the same amount of money elsewhere.

[@jeshely]

Not to mention taxes are much higher in LA.

[@josephterrell2835]

DJJ was a great fit but if he wanted to test the market we had to move. I will miss DJJ's selfless energy on defense, but I will not miss his missing dunks. I do prefer Naji going forward as DJJ is pure athleticism and that will wane over the next couple years a bit. Hopefully that remaining MLE room brings a legit 8-10th spot in the rotation guy.

[@petardzeparoski3175]

Why did he sign with the Clippers????

[@magnusolsson28]

Is there a chance that Kyrie and Gafford as Anta nba athletes has any sway on klay also being an Anta athlete. Anta really only has 7 nba athletes and I don't really know if that aspect has any sway on Klay with Kyrie being the only other star level player and highly known besides Klay.

[@wblackboy]

The NAJI pod 🫨🫨

[@xion649]

Klay Thompson is completely washed now. If you looked at his 38.7% and think he's still a pretty good shooter, you can't be more wrong. Klay was shooting well against tanking team and laid egg big time in higher level of competition. 0-10 in the play-in is the perfect example of it. Defensively he is as mobile as Luka. If 3 point shooting is what you want, there are plenty of better shooter that comes cheaper than him, e.g Buddy Hield, Eric Gordon.

[@arjunadan3812]

Eric Gordon please! 🎉

[@incognitim]

I'm hoping PJ takes a step forward to being the Mavs #3. Being back home and on a good team should be plenty of motivation this Summer. Not sure how much klay has to offer, and with DJJ gone I'd rather see that money go toward a more solid on-ball defender.

[@TheTVDewey]

Naji is that player. Go watch him play defense

[@Damehowell7]

Nick, lets not minimize DJJ’s impact now that he is gone. Everyones tune would have been different had he resigned. DJJ’s defensive impact was massive in the playoffs when, ironically, the Mavs took off!

[@mavsdebator]

DJJ went from priority 1A & 1B to priority 1C-ya later

[@boristeplitskiy7632]

Maybe the Mavs didn’t want to give a large chunk of the MLE to DJJ? It’s just tough to understand what’s going on

[@Chef12817]

I think DJJ wanted to start and if we sign Klay he’ll have to come off the bench and the clippers with no PG would make him a starter.

[@theSUBVERSIVE]

@@Chef12817 that sounds more like Klutch than DJJ since he said on several occasions that he wanted to stay and he never seemed to be the type of guy that worries so much about playing time and role. Klutch convinced him that the Clippers situation would be better for him and that he would play a similar role with Harden, but I don't really think it will be that similar and ultimately for an extra $3M

[@houndsviking591]

@@theSUBVERSIVE n to think of LA TAXES I think he’s money would have gone farther if he stay with mavs , switching agent I think mess him up

[@AdolphSaxOfficial]

We weren't allowed to negotiate with Jones until July 11th since he just switched agents. Neither side could afford to wait that long to get a deal done. Marshall is a better player tho. Trust Nico.

[@houndsviking591]

@@AdolphSaxOfficial I definitely like that we didn’t wait and see that could have been bad, I’m confuse as to why we couldn’t negotiate with him but clippers could ? I wonder what rule is that but glad we didn’t wait and see and end up with nothing

[@kwabenaasafu-adjaye3529]

Thank you djj you will be missed

[@Olliemavs619]

Warriors fans have openly said he’s defence this year is bad. Bringing Klay in to be your POA defender is a dumb move.

[@VVVY777]

Everyone knows Klay is a diminished defender. It's his 3-ball and size that is still coveted. He can still be a great help defender.

[@beastscale1892]

Klay was out of position because he was on an undersized young team. The numbers are skewed and even then he is still average in that field. Obviously the Mavs wouldn't want to run him for over 35 minutes but he isn't a liability at all compared to THJ lacking fundamentals on Defense that Klay's got because he used to be an All NBA defender.

[@EduardoOliveira-zx9ju]

@@beastscale1892 More importantly, Klay was asked to be the second guy. 25-30 points nightly is a bit too much for Klay. He positions us to be in the Finals again.

[@andesk79]

Maybe if Klay does not work out we could consider Seth once more if it's all about shooting? 😀

[@suprcrzy]

Unbelievable. Was it just a lack of communication? Unless he really wanted to play for the clippers, this kind of screw up is inexcusable. They use the excuse of an agent switch, then he signs the same night with someone else. Smh

[@mshepherd2154]

I think it really must mean Mavs didn’t want to match the Clips offer

[@DANGiiMC00L]

"Jones could still negotiate his next contract through Turner, the president of Verus Management, who has represented him since" entering the league.