Luka Doncic Now Reveals Why He Wants to Leave the Dallas Mavericks
After losing to the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals, the Dallas Mavericks have nearly completed their roster.
Despite losing Derrick Jones Jr. and Tim Hardaway Jr., the Mavericks signed Quentin Grimes, Naji Marshall, and Klay Thompson. However, the squad still has one roster space open.
One Dallas veteran, a fan favorite and locker room leader, is a free agent who the organization may re-sign. However, awarding him a contract to fill the 15th roster position might be a hazardous move.
The Mavericks’ decision to re-sign Markieff Morris would be an expensive error.
Markieff Morris is the veteran who is now a free agent. The fan favorite was traded to Dallas from Brooklyn in 2023, where he rapidly became popular. He is an unrestricted free agent this summer and has yet to be signed, leaving Dallas in a difficult decision about whether to contract him back.
For the Mavericks, it may be wiser not to re-sign Morris and instead sign another free agent. Morris appeared in only 26 games last season, largely during garbage time.
With that many games played, the roster slot would be squandered in terms of on-court output. The Mavs already have a seasoned presence in the locker room in Dwight Powell, and having two experienced leaders who are both unplayable may be a hazardous decision for the Mavs.
The Mavericks would be better suited signing a guy who is ready to play and can play right away. A guard, in particular, may benefit the club by strengthening the backcourt.
Malachi Flynn is one guy who the Mavericks might add. The Mavericks are reportedly interested in the 26-year-old guard. Flynn would come into Dallas and demonstrate that he is close to realizing his full ability. Flynn was also colleagues with Grimes in Detroit, so they may be tight in Dallas.
Spencer Dinwiddie, a former Maverick, is another candidate to fill the 15th roster position. In the case of Dinwiddie, he has already demonstrated his ability to play well alongside Luka Doncic and has postseason experience with the Mavericks. Rumors of Dinwiddie returning to Dallas circulated at the outset of free agency.
Morris is beloved by Mavs fans, front office, and players, but bringing him back would be a larger risk than most people think, as he would rarely play. It would be more logical for the Mavericks to sign a player who can play and contribute to rapid wins as they attempt to return to the NBA Finals next season.
All signals lead to the Mavs re-signing Morris, and it has been rumored that Dallas wants to bring him back. Only time will tell what Dallas does.
