Fresh off their first NBA Finals appearance in over a decade, the Dallas Mavericks are preparing to make another deep run in 2025. This summer, they acquired four-time champion Klay Thompson from the Golden State Warriors in one of the biggest moves of the offseason. Furthermore, they brought Spencer Dinwiddie back to the team and acquired solid players in Quentin Grimes and Naji Marshall. And now, less than a month before the start of training camp, the Mavericks are not satisfied with their roster just yet. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Mavericks have re-signed veteran forward Markieff Morris. Currently, the exact details of the contract are unknown.
Free agent F Markieff Morris has agreed on a deal to return to the Dallas Mavericks, sources tell @TheAthletic. The reigning Western Conference champions prioritized re-signing Morris, 34, who has served as a strong leader in Mavs locker room entering his 14th NBA season. pic.twitter.com/rhihoS3niA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 7, 2024
The 35-year-old has spent parts of the last two seasons with the Mavericks. On the court, however, he has played a very minor role. Last season, Morris averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds in 26 games. Additionally, he only appeared in one game for the Mavericks in their NBA Finals run. That game, however, was during the Finals in Dallas’ Game 4 victory over the Boston Celtics. In the win, Morris recorded three points and four rebounds in 12 minutes.
Dallas Mavericks Are Re-Signing Former NBA Champion
What Markieff Morris’ Role in Dallas Will Look Like in 2024-25
Chances are high that Morris will not assume a larger role on the court for the Mavericks next season. He offers very little to the team outside of depth purely from a basketball perspective. However, there is a reason the Mavericks brought him back.
Alongside Thompson and Kyrie Irving, Morris is the longest-tenured player on the roster. Additionally, like Thompson and Irving, Morris is the only other player on the team with a championship (2020 with the Los Angeles Lakers). His veteran presence is essential for a contender like the Mavericks. While he likely will not see the floor much, Morris provides a lot of value to the team that would be tough to replace, especially at this point in the offseason.
There Could Be a Morris Brothers Reunion in Dallas
With the forward’s return to Dallas official, some eyes will now turn to his brother, Marcus Morris. The current free agent last played with the Cleveland Cavaliers last season. However, he remains unsigned roughly four months after Cleveland’s season came to an end. A stop in Dallas, however, could be an option for the veteran.
In July, Markieff posted on social media that he wants his brother to join him in Dallas. With him now officially back, the other Morris’ status as a free agent becomes even more intriguing.
I’m coming back. I want bro to come with me.
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) July 3, 2024
