NBA trade rumors: Golden State Warriors could eye $27 million Dallas Mavericks superstar to support Steph
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors (Image via Getty) The Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks are circling what might be one of the cleaner, more logical trade ideas of the early season: a near-salary-match swap of Buddy Hield for Naji Marshall. With both teams wrestling with roster imbalances and apron complications, this framework has gained traction among analysts – and it may only take a light third-team assist to get across the finish line.This article breaks down why the move makes sense, how the trade fits financially, and what each side stands to gain.
Why the Golden State Warriors Are Entertaining This Deal
Golden State Warriors’ backcourt has become overcrowded. The offseason addition of Seth Curry, the upcoming return of De’Anthony Melton, and the emergence of younger rotation guards have pushed Buddy Hield into a diminished role. His shooting remains valuable, but his defensive liabilities and age (32) are out of sync with what Steve Kerr needs around Stephen Curry as he enters his age-37 season.The Warriors are hunting for wing depth, size, and defensive presence – something Naji Marshall brings immediately. Marshall, at 6’7”, plays with an edge that fits their small-ball identity. As Sporting News framed it, this is a chance to flip “regression for progression.”
Why the Dallas Mavericks Would Entertain It
Naji Marshall (Image via Getty)
Dallas Mavericks have struggled early due to injuries and uneven spacing around Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Adding Hield’s proven 40 percent career three-point shooting, currently at 35 percent, gives the Mavericks a plug-and-play floor-spacer who thrives off the ball.A reunion between Hield and Luka makes sense: catch-and-shoot gravity is the one thing that Dallas always seems to need more of. While Hield’s defense remains a concern, Dallas isn’t chasing him to guard wings, they want him to stretch the floor and revive an offense that has sputtered at times.
How the Trade Structure Works
The finances are straightforward, which is rare in today’s apron-heavy NBA. Both players make around $9 million, creating a clean match.Player2025-26 Salary Buddy Hield $9.2M Naji Marshall $9.0MThe only obstacle is the apron. Both teams are close enough to the line that a harmless third-team salary dump could be required—but nothing involving picks or additional rotation players.This is why analysts consider the deal both realistic and low-friction.
The Basketball Fit: Naji Marshall vs Buddy Hield
Early 2025-26 numbers paint a clear contrast between the two players’ current trajectories.
Naji Marshall 2025-26 Performance (DAL, 12 GP)
SeasonGPMINPTSREBASTFG%3P%FT%STLBLK 2025-26 Regular (DAL) 12 24.8 10.3 4.3 2.4 48.2 25.8 83.7 1.3 0
Buddy Hield 2025-26 Performance (GS, 20 GP)
SeasonGPMINPTSREBASTFG%3P%FT%STLBLK 2025-26 Regular (GS) 20 20 7.6 2 1.6 41.4 35 90 0.8 0.2
Head-to-Head Snapshot
PlayerPPGRPGAPGFG%3P%2025-26 Salary Naji Marshall 10.3 4.3 2.4 48.2 25.8 $9.0M Buddy Hield 7.6 2 1.6 41.4 35 $9.2M
What Each Team Gains
Golden State Warriors: What They Get Out of Marshall
• A 6’7” defensive-minded wing who fits switch-heavy schemes • Added toughness in a frontcourt that still relies heavily on Draymond Green • A more balanced roster without inflating payroll • Perimeter defense that helps mask aging legs in the core rotation • A player averaging 1.3 steals per game – something the Warriors badly need
Dallas Mavericks: What They Get Out of Hield
Buddy Hield (Image via Getty)
• A career 40 percent shooter who improves spacing instantly • A complementary weapon for Luka Dončić when defenses overload • A veteran scorer who can help stabilize inconsistent bench units • A temporary boost while waiting for injured wings to return • A no-risk flier on a player looking for a fresh start
The Downsides and Risks
No trade is perfect, and both franchises would accept certain risks.
For the Golden State Warriors
• Marshall’s 25.8 percent from deep is a real concern • Spacing around Curry and Klay Thompson could tighten • Marshall doesn’t solve their backup-center issues
For the Dallas Mavericks
• Hield’s defense remains a glaring weakness • At 32, he offers less long-term upside • He could struggle to earn closing minutes in high-stakes gamesYet neither set of risks is deal-breaking – especially in December, when teams still have time to adjust.
My Final Thoughts: A Trade That Makes Sense for Both
This rumored swap is not a blockbuster. It won’t dominate headlines like a superstar trade. But the best in-season moves are often the simplest, targeting needs instead of names.Also read: NBA trade rumors: Los Angeles Lakers predicted to chase $186 million Milwaukee Bucks star to form the league’s next superteamThe Warriors would be trading fading shooting for live-wire defense. The Mavericks would be trading defensive grit for floor spacing. Both would be addressing immediate problems without sacrificing assets or flexibility. And in an NBA where margins matter, this is exactly the kind of understated deal that can quietly shift a season. If the teams can navigate the apron complications with a small third-team assist, this is a trade that checks every box.
