Trade & Free Agency 2026/2027

[cow]

I really really like Naji. I think he's a good player. He's not quite the impact defender I thought he'd be. Definitely not how the Pelicans fans described him. He's also proven to be a terrible 3PT shooter (28%) in his 2 seasons with the Mavs, after having an outlier year (38%) just prior to the Mavs signing him.

He is what he is at this point. A career 30% 3PT shooter [6-year sample size], on low volume (2.6 3PA/g). He's a self-creator type, with a great mid-range/floater game, but doesn't create for others much. An excellent role player for what his strengths are.

I worry that his strengths on the Wing don't compliment what I believe this team needs to put around Coop going forward. Too similar in playstyle... I think he deserves a raise. Has earned it. I just don't know that the Mavs should be the one giving it is all. People talk about 'timeline' way more than I think they should, but how much better do we think Naji is going to be in his age 30-34 seasons [next contract], and do we really think he's going to raise the ceiling for this team when they're ready to actually compete compete?

I think your concerns, criticisms and worries are valid, but he and Coop worked really well together when they were both asked to do way more than anyone could have expected to start the season.  I think Naji is an ideal sixth man because he can create great opportunities for himself and his versatility let's him spot start when other players miss time.  If he's looking for 20M a year, I don't think we should pay that and I don't think anyone else would either.  He's tough and durable and wants to be here and I'll never take for granted someone who wants to be on our team.