Mavericks and Markieff Morris sign one-year contract

The Dallas Mavericks and free agent veteran forward Markieff Morris have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic. Morris, 35, is entering his 14th NBA season.

This is likely a veteran minimum, as that is all the Mavericks could offer. Dallas has 14 guaranteed contracts and a partially guaranteed deal for AJ Lawson for $2.1 million.

If Morris’ contract is guaranteed, the Mavericks have replenished their roster. This means Lawson or one of the guaranteed contracts would have to be waived.

Free agent F Markieff Morris has agreed to a deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks, sources say @TheAthleticThe reigning Western Conference champions made it a priority to re-sign Morris, 34, who has been a strong leader in the Mavs’ locker room as he enters his 14th NBA season. photo.twitter.com/rhihoS3niA

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 7, 2024

On Thursday, Morris responded to a fan’s post on X. The message read, “Good morning… Today would be a great day for the Dallas Mavericks to re-sign Markieff Morris.” The veteran forward quoted the message and responded, “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.

Dallas Mavericks have re-signed Markieff Morris after adding Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall this offseason

In 776 regular-season NBA games (379 as a player), Morris averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 23.6 minutes per game. He shot 44.5% from the field, 34.3% from the 3-point line and 77.8% from the free throw line.

Since joining 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 game in 34 appearances (two as a starter).

Additionally, the Kansas product has shot 36.6% from the floor, 35.9% from beyond the arc and 83.3% from the free throw line. His player efficiency rating (6.6) is a career low heading into the 2023-24 season.

One of these days! https://t.co/VslMWzL03R

— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) August 22, 2024

The 6-foot-9 Morris played as a deep-bench wing with the Mavericks last season, averaging 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 26 games played. But he also served as a leader in the locker room.

In Dallas’ 131–120 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 16, 2023, he recorded a season-high 10 points, five rebounds, four assists and a steal in 19 minutes as a substitute.

The Mavs also added players like Klay Thompson, Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall to their roster this offseason. Dallas is projected to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference in 2024-25.