If a recent trade proposal by ESPN comes to fruition, then the Chicago Bulls could add a starting-caliber forward at a limited cost. The player in question is Dallas Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, who was proposed as compensation for the Bulls helping the San Antonio Spurs acquire Anthony Davis.
While some are hoping to see Chicago add Davis himself, this would be a golden opportunity to round out the rotation with one of the most underrated players in the NBA.
The Bulls have been linked to Davis during the Mavericks' turbulent 2025-26 season. They're far from the only option, however, as the Spurs have surfaced as a viable hypothetical destination given the potential of pairing the future Hall of Famer with rising superstar Victor Wembanyama.
In a trade proposed by Kevin Pelton of ESPN, the Bulls would help push the deal between the Mavericks and Spurs across the finish line by sending out second-round picks. In return, they'd land Marshall.
With only two second-round picks going to Dallas, no talent lost, and all future first-round selections, the Bulls would be adding a starting-caliber forward at virtually no cost.
Bulls add Naji Marshall in ESPN trade that sends Anthony Davis to Spurs
Marshall, 27, has steadily emerged as one of the NBA's best kept secrets. He finished the 2024-25 season with averages of 13.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.9 three-point field goals made in 27.8 minutes per game, shooting at a clip of .508/.275/.813.
Marshall has picked up where he left off in 2025-26, proving he's not a fluke with averages of 12.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.0 three-point field goal made in 27.5 minutes on .517/.312/.804 shooting.
The fact that Marshall's production has remained steady across seasons is quite impressive considering he's averaging 2.1 fewer field goal attempts per game. He's managed the feat by shooting 64.1 percent on two-point field goals, increasing his three-point efficiency by 3.7 percent, and attempting 1.6 more free throws per contest.
Marshall is also shooting 60.3 percent on drives and 6.8 percent above the league average within eight feet of the rim.
Naji Marshall is the efficient slasher Chicago needs along the wings
That alone makes Marshall a compelling fit for the Bulls. Chicago currently ranks No. 3 in the NBA in drives per game, but is No. 25 in field goal percentage in said scenarios. With a proven and efficient finisher, the Bulls can continue to play their preferred style while improving their efficiency.
While Marshall's subpar shooting is a concern, it's worth noting that he's burying a respectable 35.0 percent of his threes from the right corner and that he shot 38.7 percent from beyond the arc in 2023-24.
On the other end of the floor, Marshall is a versatile defender who can match up with players at a vast majority of positions. Thus far in 2025-26, he's held Pascal Siakam to 2-of-7 shooting, spent 62.3 partial possessions across two games on James Harden, and defended both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kawhi Leonard for more than 20.0 partial possessions.
Marshall isn't necessarily regarded as an elite defender, but his versatility and willingness to take on challenges would certainly benefit the Bulls.
Marshall could enter the starting lineup as a slashing wing who can score, create for others, and defend multiple positions. He could also become Chicago's sixth man, providing depth along the wings and playing with a more focused mentality on slashing and scoring.
In either scenario, the Bulls would be adding a high-level wing at a minimal cost in a trade that would instantly improve their postseason odds.