OFFICIAL: Mavericks Re-Sign Markieff Morris; Player Cut Coming?

On Wednesday, the Dallas Mavericks officially re-signed Markieff Morris despite not having any open spot on their 15-man roster.

This move was made possible because Morris’ contract is one-year, non-guaranteed deal, meaning that he will essentially be competing for a real roster spot during training camp, which begins in a little less than three weeks.

Although Morris’ days of being a rotation player are likely behind him, he has proven to be a valuable voice in the locker room. The 13-year veteran has a good chance to make the Mavs’ 15-man roster before training camp ends, but for that to happen, Dallas will have to either make a trade that opens up a roster spot by sending two players out for one, or they’ll need to waive a player currently on the roster.

If the latter ends up being the option the Mavs go with, third-year shooting guard A.J. Lawson appears to be the odd man out. The 24-year-old Canadian has shown potential for being a high-energy role player on both ends of the floor, but given how deep the Mavs are at the guard positions with Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum and Jaden Hardy, the chances of Lawson getting any real playing time going forward is slim.

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Also, given Lawson’s age vs. experience, and the fact that he only makes a little over $2 million per year on a partially-guaranteed contract, it makes it a little easier for the Mavs to part ways with him for someone who will have more of an impact with his voice from the bench.

“He’s been great for us,” Mavs head coach Jason Kidd said of Morris during the playoffs. “He’s actually been the MVP for the season for us.”