Former University of Kansas power forward Markieff Morris will remain a member of the defending NBA Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks during the 2024-25 season.
Morris, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound, 35-year old NBA veteran who has played for eight teams in 13 seasons, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Mavs, Morris’ agent, Yony Noy, told Shams Charania of the Athletic on Saturday .
No terms were disclosed though it’s believed Morris will receive the veteran’s minimum NBA salary, which according to Forbes.com is $3.31 million for a player in the league 10 or more seasons . Morris earned $3.19 million with the Mavs last season.
Morris averaged 2.5 points and 1.5 rebounds per game in 26 games for the Mavericks in 2023-24 after playing eight games for the Mavs the previous season.
Morris was not a regular member of the Mavericks’ rotation — he entered just one of Dallas’ 21 playoff games during the 2024 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.
“The reigning Western Conference champions prioritized re-signing Morris, who has served as a strong leader in Mavs locker room entering his 14th NBA season,” Charania wrote on social media site X.
Morris was the 13th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft out of KU. He’s played for Dallas as well as the Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat during his pro career.
His career averages are 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He’s hit 44.5% of his shots, including 34.3% from 3-point range, in 776 regular-season games. He has also appeared in 51 NBA playoff games (22 starts).
During the 2020 season, Morris helped LeBron James and the Lakers win the NBA championship over the Miami Heat.
“Last season he brought veteran leadership in the locker room, something that mattered a lot to the team during its run to the Finals, plus he has a strong relationship with Kyrie Irving. This is a guy who could be seen leading pregame and timeout talks at times, a player who pulled aside guys on the court to give tips, and was almost another coach for Dallas. That’s the kind of guy the Mavericks want back for another playoff run,” wrote Kurt Helin of nbcsports.com .
“Morris won’t be a nightly player but will get his garbage minutes and spot rotation shifts when players are out or hurt. He is still a big body and can hit a three if he has to, so when he does get minutes the Mavericks won’t be sitting ducks. This is a great signing for the fact that the team loved him and they just made the NBA Finals, which means they’re keeping the chemistry intact without sacrificing meaningful roster capital. Morris will be the oldest Mavericks player for a second straight season and adds to the championship experience in their locker room,” Helin added.
Markieff’s twin brother, Marcus, has not yet signed with a team for 2024-25. Marcus finished the 2023-24 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. He later agreed to a contract buyout after never playing a game for the Spurs. He signed with Cleveland for the stretch run and playoffs.
Marcus averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds in 17.2 minutes a game with the Sixers. He hit 40.0% of his 3-point attempts.
Cleveland lost 4-1 to Boston in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Marcus Morris has played for eight teams in his career.
The Morris twins played at KU from 2008-11. 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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