Monte Morris played 27 games with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2023-24 season. He later signed with the Phoenix Suns for the 2024-25 campaign on a one-year deal. However, in the middle of August, Morris remains unsigned, and the 30-year-old guard is fighting for his next NBA opportunity.
Morris is coming off a season where he averaged 12.7 minutes, 5.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists on 42.6/36/85.7 shooting splits. These numbers don't jump off the page, but Morris is a steady playmaker who can still contribute or, at the very least, be a perfect veteran depth piece.
A Wolves-Morris reunion is unlikely
The 6-foot-2 guard had a short tenure with the Wolves and put up similar averages (15.1 mpg, 5.1 ppg, 2.3 apg, and 1.7 rpg) in 2023-24. However, by all accounts, he was a great teammate and veteran presence. Given this, and the Wolves' need for guard depth, some were wondering if a reunion could be in the cards.
Regardless, as of now, all signs point to Bones Hyland getting one of the Timberwolves' open roster spots. With Bones likely in the fold and Johnny Juzang on a training camp deal, the Wolves are unlikely to make another roster move, ruling out the possibility of a reunion with Morris.
Other teams that could be interested in Morris
While there hasn't been any definitive reporting, connecting the dots, there are a few teams that could be interested in Morris. Ironically, a return to the Suns would make a lot of sense given their need for traditional point guard play. The Golden State Warriors haven't made any free agent signings as they are being held up by the Jonathan Kuminga fiasco. However, the Warriors could look to upgrade their guard depth behind Stephen Curry.
The Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, and New York Knicks are two other teams with open roster spots that could be interested in Morris' services. Nevertheless, given that he's still unsigned in August, Morris' career is at a clear crossroads. There are countless examples of talented veterans being fizzled out of the league, and unfortunately, that could happen to Morris. Shake Milton, another former Timberwolves guard, signed in Europe after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
There are so few spots in the NBA, and it's tough to keep a job. Regardless, Morris is a consummate professional, with a nice skill set as a steady playmaker and outside shooter. While he didn't spend much time with the team, Wolves fans will be rooting for Morris to get another chance before the season rolls around.