The Minnesota Timberwolves accomplished their NBA trade deadline goal of improving their ball handling by acquiring veteran point guard Monte Morris from the Detroit Pistons. Morris is expected to take over the Timberwolves’ backup point guard duties previously held by Jordan McLaughlin, though he only saw about 10 minutes a game in 30 appearances.
Minnesota (36-16) sits first in the Western Conference. But the Timberwolves are 18th in offensive rating as they are 17th in assists and 27th in turnovers. Morris should instantly improve the Wolves’ ball-handling and offensive efficiency issues as he possesses excellent handles and is an outstanding distributor. He is also an above-average 3-point shooter at 38.9%.
Minnesota Timberwolves Rumors: How Marcus Morris Fits With Wolves and What’s Next?
While Minnesota should immediately benefit from adding Monte Morris, it left the Timberwolves with just 13 players on standard contracts. The Wolves are expected to fill one of those spots with veteran forward Marcus Morris, according to Pat Beverley, Pod.
Seasoned Forward & Offensive Threat Marcus Morris is leaning towards signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves- Per sources
His veteran presence will provide a winning culture to any team looking for a playoff boost. pic.twitter.com/DQIBIsgLoi
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 12, 2024
Morris is a free agent after getting bought out by the San Antonio Spurs following the team’s acquisition of the 6-8 combo forward from the Philadelphia 76ers as part of the Buddy Hield three-team trade. The 76ers sent Morris cash and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Spurs while receiving Hield from the Indiana Pacers.
The Sixers also sent the Pacers Furkan Korkmaz, a 2024 second-round selection, and a 2029 second-round draft pick to the Pacers. Indiana received Doug McDermott from the Spurs.
Morris averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds over 17.2 minutes in 37 appearances, including seven starts with the 76ers this year. He also canned one trey a game while compiling a shooting slash line of .437/.400/.861.
How Would Morris Fit With Timberwolves?
With Minnesota not going below the 14-player threshold until February 8, the Timberwolves don’t have to be in any hurry to fill their open roster spots. As the Timberwolves 14-day window will close right before teams return from the all-star break.
Minnesota has three games before the all-snottar break. The Timberwolves continue their five-game Pacific road trip against the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. The Wolves then play games in Portland against the Trail Blazers on Tuesday and Thursday.
Minnesota is 6-5 over their last 11 games. The Wolves hold a half-game lead over the Clippers, Oklahoma City, and Denver for the top spot in the conference.
While the Wolves are legitimate title contenders, the addition of Morris would really help. Morris would bring his veteran leadership and toughness.
Morris can provide some scoring and, more importantly, shooting off the bench. Both of these are things that the Timberwolves’ bench needs.
While the Timberwolves have a strong starting unit, they rank in the bottom third of the league in bench scoring and efficiency. The Wolves go nine players deep and don’t have a true frontcourt player on their unit besides Naz Reid. So, Morris would help on the glass as well.
If Minnesota does sign Morris, they would still have an open roster spot. The Timberwolves should look to add a wing scorer or another rebounder with size in that spot.
