When the Dallas Mavericks reached the 2024 NBA Finals, all eyes were on Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively II, and P.J. Washington.

The four of them were major pieces in Dallas’ playoff run along with a plethora of role players such as Daniel Gafford, Derrick Jones Jr., and Jaden Hardy, but there was one player who didn’t play rotation minutes, but provided an impact all season long.

Markieff Morris was an impactful leader for Dallas all season long and into the playoffs, and the Mavs are reportedly bringing him back for next season.

Morris and the Mavs have agreed on a contract according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, and this was a perfect move by Dallas.

Even though Morris likely won’t play much, his impact from the bench is colossal. All of his teammates look up to him, and he and Irving have a particularly strong relationship as they came to the Mavs together in February 2023 when they were traded from the Brooklyn Nets.

Morris was always seen encouraging his teammates from the bench, occasionally leading pregame speeches, and providing pointers to the team before big moments. He was one to step up and speak to the team before the playoffs along with a few of the other veterans, and his presence on the roster could provide them with another deep playoff run again.

His leadership from last season can’t go untold, and he remained confident that he’d be back with the Mavs all offseason long. It is a bit strange that they waited so long to get the deal done if both sides were interested in a reunion, but all of the speculation can finally be put to rest. There were rumors all offseason long that he’d be back, and the Mavs finally got it done.

Morris is for sure going to be back. The Mavs have their locker room leader back for next season, but at what cost?

Dallas doesn’t have an open roster spot, and in order for Morris to return, they’re going to have to waive someone. It has been speculated for weeks that it’ll be A.J. Lawson who will get waived and one possibility for him and the Mavs is waiving Lawson and re-signing him to a two-way deal.

Lawson was on a two-way deal before the Mavs converted his contract to a standard deal, and he has the potential to develop into a solid role player one day.

Morris’ presence was greatly valued by the Mavs organization, and now no one has to wonder if he is going to come back anymore.