Washington Wizards: Looking into the future of possibilities for Markieff Morris

The Washington Wizards made the smart choice in making a move for Markieff Morris two seasons ago. With newly found success, he has created options for his future.

The Washington Wizards have made it their top priority securing their backcourt this offseason. In fact, all newly acquired players are in the backcourt as well, besides Mike Scott.

With Marcin Gortat being the elder on the Washington Wizards roster, Markieff Morris is only slightly older than the core of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter.

While in this instance he finds himself comfortably in the middle, last season he set career highs and stood out — in a good way, considering he has stayed astray from his old ways. He has become an admirable and respected teammate.

While Father Time is likely to catch up to Gortat sooner than later, the same can be said for the Washington Wizards looking for frontcourt talent in next year’s draft.

This is where Morris’ solid play has increased his value as he hits his prime.

It seems to be no coincidence having Morris, Gortat and Kelly Oubre Jr. all at the end of their contracts at the close of the 2018-19 regular season. This has left them with various scenarios and options.

1. Markieff Morris improves his game and puts up the same or even better numbers this season. He earns a solid evaluation in free agency, as well as payday, contingent on option No. 2.
2. Oubre shines as he needs to in the rotation, and shows great strides from his first two seasons. He can possibly turn into a younger, more long-term option at the 4, or stay in the rotation as a sixth man. Morris becomes expendable.
3. Either way, Gortat is allowed to walk in 2019 unless he is willing to play affordably off the bench, and the Wizards begin revamping their frontcourt through the draft.

What makes the most sense for Morris?

While Morris is far from an elite player at his position, he fits well in Washington. The Washington Wizards seem to have had this plan for their backcourt the whole time, as well as their frontcourt. It’s all become part of a process that Scott Brooks will continue to develop if last season is a sign of things to come.

Best-case scenario, Morris continues to play with a chip on his shoulder and continues to grow into his prime. Especially being on a serious contender for years to come, that alone should motivate Morris to return to Washington if given the opportunity.

Worst-case scenario, Markieff and brother Marcus Morris can plot their way to playing on the same team, since his contract expires in 2019 as well. They have already once agreed to take a pay cut to play together, would they be willing to do it once more?

With all matters taken into account for the Washington Wizards, fans should be able to rest easy at night.

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Markieff Morris has himself surrounded with win-win situations, and looks to continue to help the Washington Wizards do exactly that this season.