The Dallas Mavericks and veteran free agent Markieff Morris have agreed to a one-year contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Morris, 35, will be entering his 14th NBA season.
This is likely a long-term minimum considering that’s all Maverick has to offer. Dallas has 14 guaranteed contracts and a semi-guaranteed deal with AJ Lawson for $2.1 million.
If Morris’ contract is confirmed, the Mavericks have filled out their roster. This means Lawson or one of the guaranteed contracts will have to be waived.
Free agent F Markieff Morris has agreed to a deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks, sources said @TheAthletic. The reigning Western Conference champions have prioritized re-signing Morris, 34, who has served as a strong leader in the Mavs’ locker room entering his 14th NBA season. pic.twitter.com/rhihoS3niA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 7, 2024
On Thursday, Morris responded to a fan’s post on X. It read, “Hello…Today would be a great day for the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign Markieff Morris.” The veteran frontman quoted the post and replied, “One of these days!”
Morris was selected 13th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2011 NBA draft out of the University of Kansas. The Philadelphia native has played for eight NBA teams in his professional career.
The Dallas Mavericks re-signed Markieff Morris after adding Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall this offseason.
In 776 regular season NBA games (379 starts), Morris averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 23.6 minutes per contest while shooting 44.5% from the field, 34.3% from three point range, and 77.8% from the free throw line.
Since arriving in Dallas in the Kyrie Irving trade with the Brooklyn Nets in February 2023, he has averaged 3.0 points, 1.5 rebounds, and just 8.4 minutes per contest in 34 appearances (two starts).
In addition, the Kansas product shot 36.6% from the floor, 35.9% from beyond the arc, and 83.3% from the foul line. His ERA (6.6) was a career low in the 2023-24 season.
One of these days!
– Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) August 22, 2024
The 6-foot-9 Morris spent last season with the Mavericks as a deep bench wing, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds a game in 26 games played. However, he actually served as a locker room leader.
In Dallas’ 131-120 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Dec. 16, 2023, recorded a season-high 10 points, five boards, four assists, and a steal in 19 minutes off the bench.
The Mavs also added players like Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes, and Naji Marshall to their roster this offseason. Dallas is expected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference for the 2024-25 season.
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