2021 NBA Free Agency: 5 sneaky good deals made by contenders thus far
By Dalton Sell
Markieff Morris was a sneaky good signing for the Miami Heat in 2021 NBA Free Agency
Among the many aggressive moves the Miami Heat have made during 2021 NBA Free Agency, the signing of Markieff Morris will fall under the radar.
Understandably so as the Heat have added two savvy veterans in Kyle Lowry and P.J. Tucker while handing massive extensions to Jimmy Butler and Duncan Robinson. Following their brutal first-round sweep in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, they wasted no time revamping the roster. Inking Morris to a one-year deal on top of everything else could pay off in a big way.
While Tucker will be the team’s big addition defensively, given his versatility and ability to take on some of the league’s best players, Morris falls in a similar category, albeit to a smaller degree. The forward is a solid defensive presence at 6’9″ and 245 lbs, giving him the requisite size to take on much bigger players. While the veteran is no slouch offensively, his defense is particularly how he will earn his keep in the rotation.
If the Heat have the inevitable rematch with the Bucks next season, Morris is someone they could throw at Giannis Antetokounmpo when Tucker needs a breather. The same notion remains if they are squaring off against the stellar Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant, who can score the basketball like none other. He will not get most of the spotlight down in South Beach, but snagging Morris on a minimum deal is a solid win for the Heat as they retool this offseason.
Morris is known for his toughness on the floor, which should help him get acquainted with his new teammates fairly quickly.