5 Dallas Mavericks players whose roles aren't safe after the trade deadline

2. Markieff Morris

Before the 2024 NBA trade deadline, the Dallas Mavericks were extremely small. Dallas had little to no positional size in their rotation. The Mavs needed size on the wing, and that's exactly what they went out and got.

Dallas traded for P.J. Washington from the Charlotte Hornets, and although he is a true power forward, he offers much more versatility than Grant Williams did. He gives the Mavs someone who can play three through five and is the most versatile player on the roster.

Before the trade for Washington, Dallas relied on other players for size in the frontcourt. One of those players was Markieff Morris.

Although Morris' minutes have been inconsistent all season long, there have been stretches when he has been in the rotation. In the month of December, Morris played 10.8 minutes per game. Morris has only played in four games since the new year, and now his role will likely shrink anymore due to the trade deadline.

Unless it's a blowout, Dallas will likely look elsewhere for minutes at the four spot. Morris re-signing last summer seemed like a puzzling move at the time, but he remains a good locker room presence for Dallas. If Washington, Derrick Jones Jr., or Maxi Kleber misses time, then maybe Morris could return to the lineup.