Southwest Division Roundup: Marshall Eyes Off-Season Extension, Dallas Continues Front-Office Search, Coward Steps Up, Eason Finds Spark
southwest-division-roundup-marshall-mavs-front-office-coward-eason
Naji Marshall pushing toward a new deal
Despite the Mavericks’ exit from playoff contention, forward Naji Marshall is using the closing weeks to bolster his résumé ahead of extension talks. The 28-year-old is averaging a career-best 15.5 points on 51.6% shooting, along with 4.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.1 steals in 71 games. His 2,108 total minutes trail only rookie Cooper Flagg’s 2,132 on the Dallas roster.
Marshall becomes extension-eligible on July 6. League rules allow a four-year agreement worth up to 140% of the projected average salary, which early estimates place at roughly $92 million over four seasons.
Mavericks still sorting out basketball operations
Dallas has not retained a search firm while looking for a permanent head of basketball operations, league sources told Marc Stein. A hire is expected between the end of the regular season and June’s draft. Co-interim general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi remain candidates. Regardless of who is chosen, there is reportedly growing momentum inside the organization to re-sign veteran forward Khris Middleton once his contract expires.
Cedric Coward a rare bright spot in Memphis
The injury-ravaged Grizzlies are 25-50 after trading former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. at February’s deadline, but rookie forward Cedric Coward has emerged as a focal point. The 2025 lottery pick poured in 24 points on 10-for-19 shooting during Saturday’s win over Chicago. “Right now, when you look at our roster, he’s a featured guy and teams may put a lot more emphasis on stopping him,” head coach Tuomas Iisalo said. “I think he’s done a great job letting the game come to him.”
Tari Eason regains footing in Houston
Rockets forward Tari Eason delivered his two best scoring outings since the All-Star break, finishing with 16 points Friday and 15 on Sunday. The uptick followed a Thursday meeting in which teammates underscored his value to the club’s identity. “It wasn’t directly pointing at me negatively,” Eason said. “It was more so positive — affirmations… everybody just being there for me and embracing me was important.” The 23-year-old will enter restricted free agency this summer.
Source: Hoops Rumors
