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

According to Darren Wolfson (SKOR North), the delayed buyout was mostly due to money reasons. The contract that Morris just agreed to settle at a fraction of the price of what was left on it was for $17 million per season and staying employed by the Spurs meant he got to collect on those game checks for every night he was on the San Antonio roster.

Will the Minnesota Timberwolves sign Marcus Morris?

But that’s not all that Doogie had to say today on the Mackey & Judd show. He reported this morning that there was optimism this buyout would happen today or tomorrow. Remember, Morris’ former teammate, Patrick Beverley, has already reported that he’s leaning toward signing with the Wolves.

Related: What if Anthony Edwards is ‘Carry My Team to the NBA Finals Nearly Every Year’ Special?

That still appears to be the expectation, now that the buyout is complete. It’s believed that Minnesota has been quiet in the buyout market because they’ve been waiting for Morris.

“The idea would be that Marcus Morris would play in the playoffs for the Wolves. So for that to happen, the Spurs and Morris would have to come to some sort of agreement by Friday. But I’m telling you one person with the Wolves, let’s just say there’s still some hope.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Related: Doc Rivers in Awe of Timberwolves; ‘Nobody is Laughing About that Trade Anymore’

No, not at his basketball job. Now a Milwaukee Buck, Bev’s day job duties as an NBA basketball player start back up today, just like yours. Instead, Pat used his wildly successful podcast, The Pat Bev Pod, to break some news regarding a former teammate and one of his former teams.

Pat Bev: Marcus Morris “leaning towards” Timberwolves

According to the Pat Bev Pod Twitter account at 12:07 Monday morning, Marcus Morris — who was just bought out by the Philadelphia 76ers — is “leaning towards signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves”. Morris and Beverley have played together with multiple NBA teams, including this season with the Sixers.

Seasoned Forward & Offensive Threat Marcus Morris is leaning towards signing with the Minnesota Timberwolves- Per sources

His veteran presence will provide a winning culture to any team looking for a playoff boost. pic.twitter.com/DQIBIsgLoi

— Pat Bev Pod (@PatBevPod) February 12, 2024

Morris started all 119 of the games he played for the Los Angeles Clippers during each of the past two seasons. 2021-22 was one of the best in his career, averaging 15.2 points per game, on 12.8 shots (2nd highest attempts average in his career), to go along with 4.4 rebounds.

Marcus Morris’ tough 2023-24 season

But his usage dropped significantly last season, even while still a starter in LA. His shots dropped to under 10 per game, and his points went with it (11.2 PPG). In the offseason, Morris signed with the 76ers, to come off the bench, a role he hasn’t played since 2020-21.

About 1/3 of Marcus Morris’ career has been as a bench player and he has often thrived in that role. Back in 2020-21 in LA, Morris started only 29 of the 54 games he played. But he still averaged over 26 minutes per game and, when on the floor, he was a problem, shooting 47% from 3PT land, with a .592 true shooting percentage.

Marcus Morris Catch-and-Shoot 3P%, last 5 seasons (C&S 3PA/36 MP)

2023-24: 43.1% (4.1)
2022-23: 36.6% (5.1)
2021-22: 37.6% (4.8)
2020-21: 49.8% (6.1)
2019-20: 42.5% (4.1)

Total: 41.9% (425/1015) pic.twitter.com/lrBiCYs8st

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 12, 2024

Related: Wolves Players Love Chris Finch and His Up-Front, Blunt Coaching Style

That wasn’t the case in Philly, where he was getting just 17.2 minutes per game, the lowest since his rookie season back in 2011-2012 with the Houston Rockets. He was just 22 years old. Now, he’s 34.

If Marcus Morris does indeed sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves, what guy are they getting? With Monte Morris (unrelated) already on roster, where is Marcus Morris going to find minutes on one of the most talented and deepest rosters in the NBA?

If you trust Patrick Beverley, it appears we are about to find out. But with all the buyout names that were floating around Tim Connelly and the Wolves, this feels like a rather underwhelming get. Hopefully, I’m wrong.

Related: Can Monte Morris Cure Minnesota Timberwolves’ Playmaking, Maturity Problems?

In doing so, he also managed to send out the Wolves’ most obvious trade assets, Shake Milton and Troy Brown Jr (along with their 2030 2nd round pick). But now, the obvious question remains… what’s next? Is Connelly done wheeling and dealing or does he have more mid-season tricks up his sleeve.

There have been a few reports that have floated out liking the Timberwolves to specific bought out players, since the trade deadline passed Thursday afternoon.

Minnesota Timberwolves planning more move on buyout market?

The Wolves have two open spots on their 15-man active roster and $1.6 million left under the luxury tax threshold, following Wednesday’s trade. They’ve been carrying one open lost for awhile, but they’re expected to fill both soon.

“…this trade does not mean the Wolves are done dealing. They could look to add another player via trade or keep their powder dry for the buyout market that will open later this month. The Wolves still have a portion of their midlevel exception to sprinkle on top of the veteran’s minimum salary to entice any veteran shooter who has his contract bought out.”

Jon Krawczynski – The Athletic

Converting Luke Garza’s contract from a 2-way deal, into a full NBA contract, makes sense for one of the two open slots. Another option would be elevating Lance Stephenson, who’s been ripping up the G-League for weeks with the Iowa Wolves.

Related: Time for Timberwolves to Grow Up; Stop Crying About Refs

Buyout market candidates

Much more likely, though, is Tim Connelly & Co make another external addition to the roster, via the post-trade deadline buyout market. Some of the names that they have been linked to include Spencer Dinwiddie (who is reportedly on his way to Dallas), Evan Fournier, Marcus Morris, Furkan Korkmaz, and Joe Harris. Other names that they’ve been mentioned with recently who could be available include Kyle Lowry and Seth Curry,

Related: 5 Players that Fit Minnesota Timberwolves Perfectly at NBA Trade Deadline

In a tough loss against the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night, Doug McDermott emerged as a key player, sinking crucial three-pointers to seal the win. According to Darren Wolfson (KSTP) on the Mackey and Judd Show (SKOR North), McDermott is a player the Wolves have their eye on, despite the significant value of his contract.

Timberwolves interested in McDermott, Hayward, possibly others

McDermott’s contract could make him difficult to trade, though, which would make Dougy McBuckets another buyout option on what could be a rather big name post-trade deadline market. A market that Doogie says could also include Charlotte Bobcats wing, Gordon Hayward.

“I was told by somebody the other day that [the Timberwolves] really like Doug McDermott of the San Antonio Spurs.”

“That’s what the Wolves are looking for, is three-point shooting, as much as anything. Now, he makes a good amount of money, $13.7 million, so that might be a buyout situation. Remember, there are teams, you know, first apron, that can’t sign a guy like Doug McDermott if he hits the buyout market. Now, Gordon Hayward, that’s another guy who I’m told the Wolves like… hey, why wouldn’t they, right? Like, if Gordon Hayward hits the buyout market, every team that can sign him will make the phone call.

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Wolfson also mentions Luke Kennard from the Grizzlies, Monte Morris from the Pistons, and Royce O’Neale as potential targets. Wolfson also highlights Jordan McLaughlin, indicating that the Timberwolves highly value him, which may affect their pursuit of a backup point guard. Ultimately, shooting remains the primary focus for the Timberwolves.

Related: NBA Insider Reveals Kevin Garnett Could Join Minnesota Timberwolves After Glen Taylor Sale

“There are others like Luke Kennard of Memphis, Monte Morris, but I don’t think they’re married like a lot of people feel like they’re married to this idea that the Wolves need to bring in a backup point guard. They value Jordan McLaughlin, heck, he had a really good game last night. It’s not necessarily a point guard. Could it be a point guard? Sure. But more than anything, I’m led to believe they are looking for shooting. Now, Monty Morris can shoot, so yeah, do I think he’s on their radar? Yes. But it could also be somebody with a little bit more size, whether it’s an O’Neal or a McDermott.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

We’ve been hearing a lot of these names for a few weeks now, and it seems highly likely that the Timberwolves will be actively pursuing these players. Now, what would it require for the Timberwolves to acquire another piece? According to an ESPN report and Wolfson, it won’t be anything too extravagant.

What would the Timberwolves need to offer in exchange for a return? Judd posed the question to Wolfson, inquiring about potential assets if the Wolves were to acquire McDermott. Wolfson indicated that if McDermott were the target, it would likely result in a buyout.

After watching him beat them up last night, Doogie is confident that Connelly & Co would love to have McDermott on their bench, reinterring again, “Doug McDermott would be one name I would keep an eye on.”

Who/What are Minnesota Timberwolves looking to deal?

Kyle Anderson could be a guy that the Wolves are forced to move, if they really covet someone and need to move a valuable trade asset to get it done. But Finch loves Anderson and what he brings to the team both on and off the floor so moving him is unlikely. Shake Milton, however, seems as good as gone.

“Like, you’re moving Shake Milton. I mean, we saw it last night, right? Out of the rotation yet again. Like, trust me, Shake Milton is absolutely available. I think deep down he would welcome a change of scenery.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Related: Timberwolves Showing Interest in Malcolm Brogdon

Wolfson also suggests that teams may consider G League prospects like Wendell Moore Jr. and their 2nd round pick from the Memphis or Washington as potential trade chips that other teams will find valuable. If needed, they could seriously consider trading Josh Minott or Leonard Miller, too.

Brian Windhorst, a well known ESPN NBA insider released who could be traded from each team. The two available names for the Timberwolves? Troy Brown Jr. and Shake Milton. ClutchPoints says Kyle Anderson is more likely to be moved than Wolfson believes.

“The Wolves could use an extra guard, but they have no tradable first-round picks and are facing a salary squeeze this summer. Milton and Brown, free agent signings last summer, don’t have much of a market, and the Wolves are likely to stand pat. Minnesota may be more involved in the buyout market with an open roster spot and about $2 million in room below tax.”

Brian Windhorst – ESPN

Windhorst additionally suggests that the Wolves might find the buyout market intriguing and could explore it if a significant name becomes available. In any case, with the trade deadline looming just a week away, it’s highly likely that the Timberwolves will make a move to boost their roster for the playoffs.

JUST JN: Miami is nearing a trade to acquire Charlotte's Terry Rozier for a package sending Kyle Lowry and draft compensation that includes a first-round pick, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/FGFkpDifYe

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 23, 2024

Terry Rozier has been the solid all season for the Hornets, averaging just over 23 points a game. The Heat, who are in danger of falling into play-in tournament range out East, needs another playmaking/scoring punch and they got it in Rozier.

Kyle Lowry Will Likely Be Bought Out

Rozier was in Minnesota last night, where he helped the Hornets upset the Wolves to pick up their 10th win of the season. Lowry now heads to Charlotte where rumors are already swirling about a likely buyout.

Related: Timberwolves Showing Interest in Malcolm Brogdon

With the Timberwolves looking for an extra point guard, will they try and acquire Kyle Lowry? It’s certainly possible, says Darren ‘Doogie’ Wolfson (KSTP, SKOR North), who joined the Mackey and Judd show on Tuesday (20-minute mark — transcribed below).

“Chris Finch was in Toronto for a few months will Kyle Lowry, Chris Finch has a relationship with Kyle Lowry. I think the Wolves are going to, at least internally, have the discussion, ‘hey does he make sense over us trading for somebody like Monte Morris’? But I can just tell you that is a name to keep an eye on, as the buyout market ramps up after February 8.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Minnesota Timberwolves Need An Upgrade At PG2

Jordan McLaughlin has been backing up Mike Conley for most of this season, and he’s been fine. But with guys like Tyus Jones, Kyle Lowry, Malcolm Brogdon and others on the market, an upgrade makes a ton of sense. And as we saw last night in a game where Conley didn’t play, any ball-handler on roster not named Mike Conley struggles to keep this team focused on things that matter.

The Hornets want to go into tank mode and Lowry wants to play for a contender. Problem is, nobody wants to trade for his contract, which is why a buyout makes more sense. If that happens, most of the best teams in the NBA (Suns, Warriors, Celtics, Bucks, Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets) can’t sign him because they’re already in the 1st or 2nd aprons of the luxury tax.

List of first/second apron teams

Golden State
LA Clippers
Boston
Phoenix
Milwaukee
Miami
Denver

These teams are not allowed to sign a player waived during the regular season that had a pre-existing salary of $12.4M+.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 23, 2024

Related: Chris Finch Disgusted by Timberwolves Immature Basketball vs Hornets

That won’t make a pursuit for Lowry unchallenged. Wolfson says the favorite to land him in the buyout market would be his hometown 76ers. Still, it appears the Wolves would at least be trying to wiggle into the conversation, if they don’t find a better option via trade.

Kyle Lowry won’t help the Timberwolves on defense but he’d provide the leadership, ball-handling and outside shooting ability they need. Lowry is 37 years old, started his career in Memphis, getting drafted 24th overall in the first round in the 2006 NBA draft.

“I continue to see Shake Milton elsewhere. The idea of them updating the backup point guard spot but still somebody who can make 3-point shots, that makes a ton of sense. I will be surprised if the Wolves don’t do anything.”

Darren Wolfson – Mackey & Judd (SKOR North)

Lowry was traded to Houston in 2009, got more playing time and than was traded again in the offseason of 2012, to the Toronto Raptors, where he made a name for himself as one of the best point guards in the NBA.

In 2021 the Miami Heat made a move for Lowry hoping he would be what they now hope Rozier will be the extra boost of talent they needed next to Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo. Lowry has dealt with a couple minor injuries over the last couple of seasons, but still played a solid role for the Heat (28 MPG)