FA: Markieff Morris Returns to DAL | 1yr Vet min

[SleepingHero]

1

[SleepingHero]

@ShamsCharania

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

[Mavs2021]

Was always coming. Thanks for your service AJ Lawson.

[WillE]

Was always coming. Thanks for your service AJ Lawson.

May probably be a sad day for AJ today, but maybe he can develop elsewhere better.

He couldn't get to his next level here, but I still believe he has another one in him. So idealy for him, this change helps him get there.

Doesn't mean it's wrong to replace his spot with Kessler. AJ had, also in comparison to other 2 ways around the league, more than enough time here. Best of luck for him though - I'll keep an eye on him...

[SleepingHero]

I read on Reddit I believe that AJ Lawson may still have some 2-way eligibility.

[F Gump]

Might be of interest:

Mavs have not waived Lawson.

Instead, they signed Morris on an E9, which has no guarantee to him, and no guarantee if he gets injured in camp. He is committed, but they have an out. That means nothing is set in stone yet, and their deadline is opening day.

[SleepingHero]

Might be of interest:

Mavs have not waived Lawson.

Instead, they signed Morris on an E9, which has no guarantee to him, and no guarantee if he gets injured in camp. He is committed, but they have an out. That means nothing is set in stone yet, and their deadline is opening day.

Didn't they give him that exact same contract last summer? 

I still think at the end of the day the Mavs move on from Lawson and just retain the vet that has shown to have a meaningful impact to the locker room. No reason to mess with the vibes and Lawson hasn't shown anything worthwhile.

[F Gump]

Didn't they give him that exact same contract last summer? 

I still think at the end of the day the Mavs move on from Lawson and just retain the vet that has shown to have a meaningful impact to the locker room. No reason to mess with the vibes and Lawson hasn't shown anything worthwhile.

Just reporting the facts.

This is not the same deal. Last year was a guaranteed deal (assuring he would be on the team), whereas this one has no money guaranteed.

I don't disagree with you on Lawson. I also expect - like you - that Morris will be one of the 15 when the season starts.

But this doesn't say that. So, we'll have to wait and see if this is just a quirk in their process, or not.

[WillE]

Just reporting the facts.

This is not the same deal. Last year was a guaranteed deal (assuring he would be on the team), whereas this one has no money guaranteed.

I don't disagree with you on Lawson. I also expect - like you - that Morris will be one of the 15 when the season starts.

But this doesn't say that. So, we'll have to wait and see if this is just a quirk in their process, or not.

Morris would be unguaranteed, whereas Lawson would become guaranteed on 10/1/2025.

The fact, that they gave Morris only an unguaranteed shows they value flexibility for either a in season pick up or trade.

Thus, Morris would give them more of that flexibility and if I'd have to bet right now, I'd bet on Morris to stay - for the moment.

[Knutsen]

Might be of interest:

Mavs have not waived Lawson.

Instead, they signed Morris on an E9, which has no guarantee to him, and no guarantee if he gets injured in camp. He is committed, but they have an out. That means nothing is set in stone yet, and their deadline is opening day.

On related news, his brother Marcus signed for the exact same deal with the Knicks.

[F Gump]

Morris would be unguaranteed, whereas Lawson would become guaranteed on 10/1/2025.

The fact, that they gave Morris only an unguaranteed shows they value flexibility for either a in season pick up or trade.

Thus, Morris would give them more of that flexibility and if I'd have to bet right now, I'd bet on Morris to stay - for the moment.

The "guarantee date" on both Lawson and Morris is identical. It is Jan 10, 2025, which is the date ALL contracts become fully guaranteed for the season, if the player has not been waived by then.

[Chicagojk]

Mavs just appear to be a much more smartly, laser focused franchise now.

Who knows what they are thinking and sometimes it is easy to be tricked over time, but it just feels like they are keeping options open and allowing for competition in camp. Lawson has a chance to blow the team away in camp, but in all liklihood is probably competing to stay as a two way candidate (I doubt another team would offer him a guaranteed spot on their 15). I hope the other two way guy from last year is also in a prove it spot.

Then they have 2-3 guys who are at least trying to gain a two way spot, but in all liklihood aren't quite ready for a two way. Hopefully you can keep both on the G-league team and see how they look at the end of the season.

[WillE]

The "guarantee date" on both Lawson and Morris is identical. It is Jan 10, 2025, which is the date ALL contracts become fully guaranteed for the season, if the player has not been waived by then.

Thanks! Spotrac didn't show that...