It looks as if former University of Kansas forwards Markieff and Marcus Morris will be playing a 14th NBA season in 2024-25.
“I’m coming back. I want ‘bro’ to come with me,” Markieff Morris wrote on social media site X on Wednesday in response to a Dallas Mavericks fan who had written: “We need you back on the Mavs. You are the glue plus everyone loves you.”
Markieff Morris, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound, 34-year old NBA veteran, who has played for eight teams, played in 26 games for the Mavericks in 2023-24 after playing eight games for the Mavs the previous season.
He was not a regular member of the Mavericks’ rotation — he entered just one of Dallas’ 21 playoff games this past postseason — but was called “the MVP of the season” by coach Jason Kidd for his positive influence at practice and in the locker room. The Mavericks reached the NBA Finals where they lost to Boston in five games.
NBA insider Marc Stein wrote this week that the Mavs “are sure” to re-sign Markieff in coming days.
Meanwhile, Markieff’s twin brother, Marcus, finished this past season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The 6-8, 218-pound 34-year-old played in 12 regular-season games for the Cavs and nine playoff games.
He opened the season with his hometown Philadelphia 76ers, then was traded to San Antonio and agreed to a contract buyout and never played a game for the Spurs. He signed with Cleveland for the stretch run and playoffs.
He was not a member of the Cavs’ regular rotation but also was praised for being a positive presence in the locker room and at practice sessions.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer : “The Sixers have interest in signing Marcus to a free-agency deal, according to multiple sources. The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed some level of interest, according to a source.”
If it doesn’t work out to where he could be on the same team as his brother, Marcus might be open to returning to Philly, where he was a fan favorite.
“When Morris left, so did the element of toughness he provided,” wrote Pompey. “The 6-foot-8, 218-pounder’s high basketball IQ, selfless play and Philly toughness were on full display here. He made the Sixers better not only with his play but with his leadership on and off the court.”
Marcus averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 17.2 minutes a game with the Sixers. He hit 40.0% of his 3s.
After heading to Cleveland, he did enter nine of the Cavs’ 12 playoff games this past postseason. Cleveland lost to Boston in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs four games to one.
Marcus Morris — he has played for eight teams in his career — was honored at Philadelphia City Hall on Jan. 11 for for his contributions on and off the court. He and Markieff, Pompey wrote, “frequently give back to the community.”
The twins have a foundation titled, “Family Over Everything (FOE).”
“I’m just grateful,” Marcus Morris said as quoted by the Inquirer. “You know I have been repping my city and doing stuff for my city for a long time. I never, ever looked for recognition or anything like that. It’s not why I do it.
“For them to be recognizing me and my family — not just me, but the last name — is surreal.”
As far as a possible twins reunion in Dallas, “as of Thursday the Mavericks only have one roster spot open. They’ll have to make room if they plan to employ both Morris twins, unless one plans to call it a career and enter the coaching ranks,” wrote Tom Dierberger of si.com.
In response to an X post from MFFL Nation that said the Mavericks should target “Dennis Smith Jr., Markelle Fultz, Spencer Dinwiddie, Pat Beverley, Robert. Covington, Marcus Morris and/or Kyle Lowry” with the team’s remaining veteran’s minimum contract, Markieff wrote: “Marcus Morris would be perfect!”
This could all be settled at any time with free agency well underway in the NBA.
The twins played at KU from 2008 to 2011. Markieff was the No. 13 pick of the 2011 NBA Draft and Marcus No. 14. Markieff has averaged 10.3 points and 4.9 rebounds in the NBA. Marcus has averaged 12.0 points and 4.4 rebounds.
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