The NBA Trade Deadline has now come and gone. The Minnesota Timberwolves improved their roster at the deadline by acquiring a veteran floor general from the Detroit Pistons.
It finally came to fruition, as the Timberwolves have long been monitoring the point guard market. Without a true backup to run the offense, Minnesota relied upon a combination of Jordan McLaughlin and the now-departed Shake Milton to lead the second unit.
Now with Monte Morris in the fold, the Wolves become less reliant on the 36-year-old Mike Conley to handle the floor general duties. In minutes without Conley on the court, the Timberwolves are 5.1 points per 100 possessions worse.
The Wolves only get worse with reserve guard McLaughlin on the floor. When the veteran point guard graces the court, Minnesota is 8.4 points per 100 possessions worse. Milton proved to be more of a liability in Minnesota, his differential was negative 11.5.
While the backup point guard play should only improve, the Wolves have yet to find a reliable backup forward alongside Kyle Anderson. Minnesota only has four consistent reserves, the others are too young for big minutes or better suited as third-stringers.
With this in mind, it's been reported that veteran forward Marcus Morris is interested in signing with the Timberwolves.
Seasoned Forward & Offensive Threat Marcus Morris is leaning towards signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves- Per sources
— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 12, 2024
His veteran presence will provide a winning culture to any team looking for a playoff boost. pic.twitter.com/DQIBIsgLoi
This season, the 34-year-old forward has averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds while shooting 43.9 percent from the floor and 40.0 percent from 3-point range. It's been a down year for the 6-foot-8 sharpshooter. Before this year, he hadn't played less than 20 minutes or averaged less than 10 points per game since the 2012-13 season.
Throughout his career, Morris has proved to be a valuable 3-and-D forward. While he's more of a threat on the offensive end, the Kansas product is strong enough to defend bigs and nimble enough to defend small forwards.
His offense will be most beneficial to Minnesota's second unit. The Timberwolves reserves rank in the bottom third of the league in points, 3-pointers, 3-point attempts, and rebounds per game. Morris, slotting in between Anderson and Naz Reid, will fit like a glove.
He still has enough juice to provide a spark to the Wolves' bench unit. Just a season ago the veteran forward averaged 11.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest. He might not be that player anymore, but Morris will provide spot-up shotmaking, secondary rebounding, and hard-nosed defense the Minnesota's second unit.