Author: Monojit Mandal
The Washington Wizards are in the midst of a “sell-off”, which has resulted in the departure of key players such as Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Chris Paul, and the focus is now on the likely trade of point guard Monte Morris. According to reports, several teams have shown interest in buying the 28-year-old, which may result in a bidding battle on the market for this low-priced playmaker.
According to ClutchPoints NBA expert Brett Siegel, Morris, who is in the final year of his contract and is due to receive US$9.8 million, is one of the main targets for clubs in the Eastern and Western Conferences. The Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks have emerged as possible suitors for Morris, with the Toronto Raptors entering the picture if Fred VanVleet leaves in free agency.
The intriguing combination of Morris, who is an economical player with excellent productivity, has increased Washington’s willingness to get rid of players with value. The six-year NBA veteran averaged 10.3 points, 5.3 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game last season and shot an incredible 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Furthermore, even with the recent departure of Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors, the Wizards already have significant depth at the point guard position. Morris is an expendable asset because the team still has Tyus Jones and Delon Wright under contract for next season.
Morris, who was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, established a name for himself at East Kentwood High School, earning all-state honors twice and being named the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year as a senior. From 2013 to 2017, he played college basketball for the Iowa State Cyclones, where he was a four-year starter and earned Second Team All-Big 12 Conference honors in 2017.
Monte Morris was picked 51st overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2017 NBA draft. He played with the Nuggets for five seasons, showing his court vision, talent for creating plays and a good three-point shooting percentage of 36.4%. Morris and Will Barton were transferred to the Washington Wizards in July 2022 in exchange for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Ish Smith.
A playmaker who prioritizes passing, known for his ability to generate opportunities for teammates, Morris offers the skills that make him a desirable trade commodity.