The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly acquiring point guard Monte Morris from the Detroit Pistons–news that comes less than 24 hours before the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline.
The Detroit Pistons are finalizing a deal to send guard Monte Morris to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/9367Rn2iFz
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 7, 2024
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Pistons will receive Shake Milton, Troy Brown Jr., and a 2030 second-round draft pick from Minnesota.
Morris just recently returned to the court after missing the first 43 games of the season due to injury. Regardless, Morris is averaging 4.5 points and 2 rebounds in just six games played this season. Last season, Morris started 61 games for the Washington Wizards and averaged 10.3 points per game.
The Timberwolves had been linked to numerous point guards recently, including Kyle Lowry and Dennis Schroder. Additionally, Minnesota showed interest in Morris while he was with the Wizards last season:
On a smaller scale, rival teams continue to be interested in Pistons guard Monté Morris, per league sources. The Timberwolves are one of the teams with the most interest. Minnesota, per league sources, tried to trade for Morris when he was in Washington prior to Detroit. The Pistons, though, also value what Morris brings to the table as a veteran guard who takes care of the ball and can shoot.
Following his trade from the Detroit Pistons, Morris will likely be the team’s backup point guard behind longtime veteran Mike Conley.
NBA News: Minnesota Timberwolves Trade for Point Guard
What Does Monte Morris Bring?
Morris is a very good passer and playmaker. Furthermore, Morris has averaged a career 0.8 turnovers per game since joining the league in 2017. A career 38.9 3pt% shooter, Morris has also proven he can be lethal from the perimeter. However, Morris is not an ideal defender. Especially at 6’2, it is very easy for a bigger guard to bully their way through Morris. However, in Minnesota’s system, Morris is in a good position to succeed defensively.
Roughly six months ago, The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III spoke about Morris’ game:
Monte Morris. To round out this group, the newly acquired Morris is one of the five best backups in the league. He doesn’t turn the ball over, defends and can shoot from 3.
The 28-year-old is a good backup point guard who knows the game and has been in the league for many years.
Additionally, due to Morris’ expiring contract, he was very appealing to multiple trade contenders. The Denver Nuggets, the team that drafted Morris out of Iowa State, reportedly showed interest in a possible reunion:
I’ve also heard that Denver has considered acquiring former Mr. Nugget Monte Morris, who’s barely receiving any minutes in a crowded Pistons guard rotation this season after he missed time with a quad injury.
The Last Word on the Monte Morris Trade
He may not be a flashy name, but Morris is a reliable, solid point guard. The 35-16 Timberwolves are currently in a four-way tie for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. A guy like Morris can help give them a push in the second half of the season.
