Mavericks could trade key veteran before deadline

Markieff Morris could be saying goodbye to the Dallas Mavericks before the trade deadline.
Jan 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Jan 27, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) looks on during the second half against the Washington Wizards at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images / Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Dallas Mavericks are getting their ducks in a row before next week's trade deadline, eyeing opportunities to make a move or two.

Nobody's roster spot is safe around this time of year, especially for a player like Markieff Morris, who has only played in seven games this season.

Bleacher Report writer Dan Favale believes Morris could be on the block for the Mavs.

READ MORE: Mavericks start road trip with close win over Pelicans, 137-136

Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) arrives at the Scotiabank Arena
Dec 7, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks forward Markieff Morris (88) arrives at the Scotiabank Arena before a game against the Toronto Raptors. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Why would the Mavs trade Morris?

"Injuries to Kleber and Dereck Lively II may compel the Dallas Mavericks to prowl the market for another big. They could also use another body on the wings. Then again, they're just $5.2 million into the tax. Will they consider trying to dip below it? Morris' deal is the default No. 1 for a team with so many potential avenues. His minimum salary can be sent anywhere, and he may be worth rerouting if you want to create a roster spot," Favale writes.

Morris would help match salaries with another team or the Mavs could attach a draft pick to open up a roster spot before the buyout market opens.

The NBA Trade Deadline is set for Thursday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. CT.


READ MORE: Mavericks linked to Pelicans in trade idea

Stick with MavericksGameday for more FREE coverage of the Dallas Mavericks throughout the 2024-25 Season

Follow MavericksGameday on Twitter and Austin Veazey on Twitter

More Dallas Mavericks News


Published
Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.