The Philadelphia 76ers have made significant moves this offseason, highlighted by signing Paul George to a max contract. Now, they are focusing on filling out their roster with key role players. One name that has surfaced is former 76ers power forward Marcus Morris.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, multiple sources indicate that the 76ers have a strong interest in bringing Morris back to Philadelphia. However, they are not alone in their pursuit. The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves have also shown varying degrees of interest.
“Could Marcus Morris Sr. be in line to return to his hometown 76ers? The Sixers have interest in signing the power forward to a free-agency deal, according to multiple sources. The Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, and Minnesota Timberwolves have also expressed some level of interest, according to a source,” Pompey reported.
The 76ers will face stiff competition for Morris’s services. While teams like the Pistons and Hornets can offer more playing time, the Cavs, Mavericks, Heat, Timberwolves, and 76ers are all contenders for playoff spots next season, which might appeal more to Morris at this stage of his career.
Morris himself is aware of his value. “I’ve been in the league for 13 seasons,” Morris said in November. “I’ve always been a professional, always been a leader, and just helping young guys in any way, any capacity I can, using my voice. I have a high IQ. I’ve been around a lot of great coaches, played for a lot of great teams, so just being myself man.”
Morris’s journey back to potential playoff contention began when he was traded to the 76ers in November 2023 from the Los Angeles Clippers as part of the deal for James Harden. However, by February, he was sent to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team trade involving Buddy Hield. Morris averaged 16.2 points and 6.0 rebounds over his 14-year career, playing for teams such as the 76ers, Rockets, Suns, Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Clippers, and Cavaliers.
Last season, after negotiating a buyout with the Spurs, Morris joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, who were in need of a bigger, stronger forward. Although he didn’t see much regular playing time, especially during the playoffs, Morris provided depth and versatility. He remained a reliable two-way player, shooting 40% from beyond the arc during the regular season and 6-9 from the three-point line in the playoffs for the Cavs.
As free agency progresses, Morris’s playoff experience and sharpshooting make him an attractive option for several contending teams. Whether he returns to the 76ers or joins another playoff contender, Marcus Morris is poised to make a significant impact next season.