Trade & FA 2024-25:

[mvossman]

Actually Nico signed Naji Marshall as the DJJ upgrade. Naji got slotted into the contract that would have gone to DJJ. They just didn't want to keep him at the price the Clippers paid is my understanding.

I think Naji is a better fit overall. He's a great defender but he's also a playmaker and shooter. DJJ was just a great defender. His shooting has been improving. But, he's not to the level of Naji.

Naji is the guy they signed because they couldn't sign DJJ, but the reason they couldn't sign DJJ was because they made Klay top priority.  If I recall, going after Klay meant they were capped at what they could offer DJJ (the same amount they offered Naji) and a clear sign DJJ was no longer going to be starting.  That is why he went to LA (for 1 mil more than Naji is making).

I disagree on the DJJ/Naji comparison.  DJJ is a significantly better defender and he was doing it as a starter at a very high level in the playoffs.  Naji brings different things to the table like some playmaking (along with some boneheadedness) and a very good midrange game, but he is currently shooting under 32% from 3 which is his career average.