Former Kansas Jayhawks star Marcus Morris signs contract for remainder of season after being waived

Marcus Morris has enjoyed a successful career in the NBA for over a decade, but he is in the midst of one of the least productive seasons of his career. The former Kansas basketball star was traded from the Philadelphia 76ers to the San Antonio Spurs at the trade deadline, and the seasoned veteran was waived by the rebuilding squad.

Fortunately for the journeyman, the Cleveland Cavaliers decided to give him a shot with a 10-day contract earlier this month. He made the most of his opportunity and was rewarded at the end of it by receiving a new contract that extends for the remainder of the season.

Morris has appeared in six games for Cleveland, averaging 7.0 points and 3.3 rebounds on 44.1% field goal shooting. That stretch includes performances in which he scored 14 and 11 points and even an ejection in typical Morris fashion.

Cleveland, which sits at 45-29 and third in the Eastern Conference standings, is one of the best teams in the league. They are preparing for a deep playoff run and needed someone to serve as an enforcer and mentor for the younger Cavaliers players. The gritty and tough Morris twin was a perfect player to fill that void.

While J.B. Bickerstaff and his squad deal with lingering injuries to wings like Caris LeVert and Dean Wade, Morris is filling in and playing some valuable minutes. "Mook" might be aging but still specializes in shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 40.7% of his 3-point attempts across his time with the 76ers and Cavaliers this year.

Morris has played for top contenders in the league for nearly a decade, and now he may receive his first-ever NBA Finals ring with his eighth team. Cleveland hopes this signing will bolster its depth and improve the chances of winning its first championship since 2016.