13-year NBA veteran Marcus Morris has been pulled in several different directions this offseason. With the Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte Hornets, Detroit Pistons, Miami Heat, New Orleans Pelicans, and Minnesota
Timberwolves interested in signing the power forward (per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey), his decision to sign with the Cavs shortly before the 2024 NBA Playoffs has paid off.
Cavs, Sixers Duking It Out For Free Agent Marcus Morris
Appearing in 12 games during the regular season, Morris averaged a modest 5.8 rebounds per game. However, he was efficient, shooting 44.1 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from 3. In the playoffs, Morris managed to keep up his performance, averaging 6.1 points per game on 39.1 percent shooting from 3. He was also tough, bringing an intangible asset to a team full of nice guys.
He may never have gotten there if the Philadelphia 76ers didn’t waive him after 37 games with them.
Morris didn’t play poorly in his time with the Sixers, averaging 6.7 points per game while shooting 40.0 percent from 3. Indeed, as a native of Philadelphia, he relished the opportunity to play in his hometown. Yet, at 34 years old, he’s lost a step and it’s negatively impacted his defense. Nonetheless, with his experience and vocal leadership, his presence isn’t only felt on a scoreboard.
Now, “for his comfort level, the Sixers and Cavs appear to have the best chances to land (Morris).”
“The Sixers only have a one-year veteran-minimum salary of $3.3 million available to offer him. …The Cavs, who are highly interested, are prepared to give Morris nearly double that amount. Despite that, Morris can still see himself coming back to the Sixers.”
Of note, his brother’s team —the Dallas Mavericks —“were interested before making roster moves.”
Morris’s brother, Markieff, had recently stated that he wants his twin to join him in Dallas. In 832 career games, Morris has only played 185 with his brother, and none since 2015. As a result, the Mavs may have had a particular appeal.
Cleveland Cavaliers
If Morris signs with the Cavs, he could battle for a spot in the rotation.
Evan Mobley, a franchise cornerstone, has averaged 33.2 minutes per game in his career. 37 percent of those minutes (12.3) have been spent at center. So, with about 26 minutes to give his backup —at max —Cleveland has an important decision to make. Without signing Morris, they’d rely on Dean Wade or Georges Niang in the second unit. Wade, perhaps a better defender than Morris at this juncture, is a streaky shooter. Niang, a high grade catch-and-shoot option, is a porous defender.
Morris ultimately provides the Cavs with the best of both worlds. Unless Cleveland makes a trade for Cam Johnson or Dorian Finney-Smith, that is.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers are loading up in preparation for a championship run. Money aside, Morris may want to be a part of that. Again, he was born and raised in Philadelphia.
Secondly, while the Sixers have a more talented and thus competitive team than the Cavs —at least on paper —their power forward depth is wonky. They never quite replaced former starter Tobias Harris, who took his talents to Motor City in free agency. In theory, the Sixers could start Paul George or Caleb Martin at the four-spot. Yet, there’s a certain beauty in the simplicity of starting Morris as a traditional stretch-four who can play off of the team’s stars.
