At the trade deadline, the Minnesota Timberwolves keyed in on a reserve point guard and sharpshooting forwards to bolster the reserve unit. Fortunately, the Wolves were able to snag a reserve floor general in ex-Detroit Piston Monte Morris.
However, Minnesota was unable to secure the services of a knockdown shooter at the deadline. Despite showing interest in Alec Burks and Royce O'Neale, the Wolves stood pat and the aforementioned players were sent elsewhere.
Luckily for the Timberwolves, another target has now hit the buyout market. After being shipped from the Philadelphia 76ers to the San Antonio Spurs, veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. has officially agreed to a contract buyout from the Spurs.
Marcus Morris has agreed to a contract buyout with the San Antonio Spurs to become a free agent, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The productive veteran forward secures playoff eligibility and is now candidate to join a postseason contender. pic.twitter.com/QuBtdE1yuG
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 29, 2024
While the news of the buyout isn't shocking, the duration of the situation is intriguing. More than two weeks ago, it was first reported that Morris Sr. was leaning toward signing with the Timberwolves. Now multiple weeks later, the report could finally come to fruition.
The 34-year-old veteran has spent 14 seasons in the NBA. He's suited up for seven squads and appeared in 67 playoff games.
Throughout his well-traveled career, Morris Sr. holds averages of 12.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He's also a prolific shooter who's knocked down 37.7 percent of his career 3-pointers.
His age-34 season hasn't yielded the best results, but Morris Sr. remains a formidable asset. In just 17.7 minutes per game, he's averaging 6.7 points, 2.9 boards, and a 3-pointer per contest. The former Kansas Jayhawk is connecting on 56.1 percent of twos and 43.9 percent of his threes.
No longer apt to play heavy minutes, Minnesota is a perfect landing spot for Morris Sr. Although his size profile is quite similar to reserve forward Kyle Anderson's, his game is much different. The veteran is a superb spot-up shooter and a capable defender.
This season, he's split time at the three and the four while also soaking up some time at the pivot spot. Amongst his five most common defensive assignments, three are small forwards and two are centers.
At this stage in his career, he's not an above-average defender by any means. His opponents actually shoot better when defended by the former 76er. Nevertheless, his combination of physicality and toughness allows him to defend some of the tougher assignments in the league.
His best attribute is easily his spot-up shooting ability. Morris Sr. is drilling 43.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot threes this season. Due to his excellent spot-up ability, his fit in any lineup is seamless.
With Morris Sr. in tow, the Timberwolves lineup now becomes 10-deep. A reserve quintet of Morris, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Anderson, Reid, and Morris Sr. would rival the NBA's best bench units.