Markieff Morris Bio
Markieff Morris is an American professional basketball player who most recently played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association. Born on September 2, 1989, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Morris has built a durable career spanning over a decade in the NBA, known for his physical presence as a power forward and his ability to contribute off the bench and in starting roles. He was selected 13th overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Phoenix Suns and has since played for nine different franchises, most notably winning an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020 during the league’s bubble season in Orlando.
Early Life and Background
Markieff Morris was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he developed his passion for basketball at a young age. He is the fraternal twin brother of Marcus Morris, who is seven minutes younger than Markieff. The Morris twins grew up together and began their basketball journeys side by side, eventually becoming highly regarded prospects in the Philadelphia area. Morris attended Prep Charter School in Philadelphia before transferring to APEX Academy in Pennsauken, New Jersey for his senior year of high school.
Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Morris was ranked as the No. 17 power forward and the No. 49 player in the nation in the class of 2008. His strong high school performance earned him scholarship offers from several major college programs, ultimately leading him to choose to continue his basketball career at the University of Kansas.
Path to Professional Basketball
Morris enrolled at the University of Kansas in 2008, where he played for the Kansas Jayhawks from 2008 to 2011. During his time in Lawrence, he majored in American studies while establishing himself as a versatile forward capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending at the collegiate level. As a junior in the 2010-2011 season, Morris earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors, recognizing his consistent contributions to one of college basketball’s premier programs. Both Markieff and his brother Marcus announced they would enter the 2011 NBA draft after that season, signing with a sports agent from Los Angeles. Markieff was also named Fifth Team All-America by Fox Sports following his junior campaign.
Markieff Morris Career
Phoenix Suns (2011-2016)
Morris was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, joining a young Suns team led by point guard Steve Nash. His twin brother Marcus was drafted by the Houston Rockets five minutes later, marking a memorable draft night for the family. During his rookie season, Morris appeared in the 2012 Rising Stars challenge, becoming the first Suns player since Amar’e Stoudemire to participate in the Rookie Challenge. He recorded 12 points and six rebounds in that exhibition game.
On February 21, 2013, Marcus was traded to the Phoenix Suns, reuniting the twins after two years of playing for separate teams. This marked the second time in Suns history that twin brothers played on the same roster, with Dick and Tom Van Arsdale being the first pair in 1976-77. The Morris twins became the first brothers ever to start alongside each other on the same NBA team. During the 2013-14 season, Morris emerged as a strong candidate for both the NBA Most Improved Player Award and NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, posting career-high scoring performances and earning Western Conference Player of the Week honors for the November 4-11 period, during which he averaged 22.8 points and shot .698 from the field.
On September 29, 2014, Morris signed a multi-year contract extension with the Suns. On January 13, 2015, he scored a career-high 35 points on 15-of-21 shooting in a victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. He and Marcus, along with teammates Goran and Zoran Dragić, made NBA history on January 2, 2015, when two different pairs of brothers played together for the same team simultaneously during the fourth quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Washington Wizards (2016-2019)
On February 18, 2016, Morris was traded to the Washington Wizards in exchange for DeJuan Blair, Kris Humphries, and a 2016 protected first-round draft pick. He made his Wizards debut the following day against the Detroit Pistons, recording six points and two rebounds in 22 minutes. The Wizards finished the 2016-17 season with a 49-33 record, winning the Southeast Division title for the first time since 1978-79. Morris scored 21 points in his NBA playoff debut during Game 1 of their first-round series against the Atlanta Hawks.
On September 22, 2017, Morris underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia, ruling him out for six to eight weeks. During the 2017-18 season, he scored a season-high 27 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On February 7, 2019, Morris was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Wesley Johnson but was waived the following day.
Oklahoma City Thunder (2019)
Morris signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 20, 2019, joining the team for the remainder of the 2018-19 season. His tenure in Oklahoma City was brief but provided him with playoff experience as the Thunder qualified for the postseason.
Detroit Pistons (2019-2020)
On July 6, 2019, Morris signed with the Detroit Pistons. During his time with the Pistons, he served as a veteran presence in the frontcourt rotation. On February 21, 2020, Morris and the Pistons agreed to a contract buyout, allowing him to pursue opportunities with a contending team.
Los Angeles Lakers Championship Season (2020-2021)
Morris was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers on February 23, 2020, using the $1.75 million disabled player exemption granted to replace DeMarcus Cousins. The move proved pivotal as the Lakers advanced through the playoffs. In Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Houston Rockets, Morris contributed 16 points in 23 minutes off the bench, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-5 from three-point range. Lakers head coach Frank Vogel later inserted Morris into the starting lineup for the remainder of the series to counter Houston’s small-ball lineup, moving Anthony Davis to center. The Lakers won the series 4-1 and ultimately captured the 2020 NBA Finals in six games against the Miami Heat, earning Morris his first NBA championship ring. He re-signed with the Lakers for the 2020-21 season.
Miami Heat (2021-2022)
On August 6, 2021, Morris signed a one-year, veteran’s minimum contract with the Miami Heat. On November 8, 2021, he was involved in a notable altercation with Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić during a game. Morris was fined $50,000 for initiating the incident, while Jokić was fined $30,000 for retaliation. Morris suffered a neck injury in the aftermath and was diagnosed with whiplash. He received medical clearance to return on March 11, 2022.
Brooklyn Nets (2022-2023)
On September 7, 2022, Morris signed with the Brooklyn Nets, joining a roster that featured Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. His tenure with the Nets provided him with regular-season experience during a transitional period for the franchise.
Dallas Mavericks (2023-2025)
Morris was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on February 6, 2023, in a blockbuster deal that also involved Kyrie Irving, who came to Dallas from Brooklyn. Morris provided veteran frontcourt depth and three-point shooting for a Mavericks team that featured Luka Dončić. He was re-signed by the Mavericks on September 16, 2023, and played a key role during the 2023-24 season as Dallas reached the 2024 NBA Finals, where they lost to the Boston Celtics in five games. On September 11, 2024, Morris re-signed with the Mavericks, continuing his tenure with the team.
Return to Los Angeles Lakers (2025)
On February 2, 2025, Morris was traded back to the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a major blockbuster deal that sent Luka Dončić and Maxi Kleber to Dallas in exchange for Max Christie, Anthony Davis, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz also acquired a 2025 second-round pick from the Mavericks as part of a three-team trade. This return to the Lakers marked Morris’s second stint with the franchise, reuniting him with the organization for which he won his only NBA championship in 2020.
Playing Style and Strengths
Morris is known as a physical power forward who can score from mid-range and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting ability. Standing at 6 feet 9 inches and weighing 245 pounds, he brings size and strength to the forward position. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated the ability to impact games as both a starter and a reserve, serving effectively as a sixth man during key seasons with the Suns and Lakers. His basketball intelligence, ability to space the floor, and willingness to defend multiple positions have made him a valuable veteran presence in various team rotations.
Notable Events and Milestones
Morris’s career has been marked by several significant milestones, including winning the 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers during the unprecedented bubble season in Orlando. His career-high 35-point performance against the Cleveland Cavaliers in January 2015 showcased his offensive capabilities. The reunion with his twin brother Marcus in Phoenix and their historic start together as brothers on the same NBA team represented a unique achievement in league history. His resilience through various team transitions and continued NBA employment into his mid-30s demonstrates his durability and adaptability as a professional player.
Markieff Morris Career Highlights
Morris has compiled an impressive resume across his NBA career, with notable achievements at both the collegiate and professional levels. His versatility as a power forward has allowed him to contribute meaningfully to multiple organizations over more than a decade of competition.
NBA Career Highlights
Morris’s most significant professional achievement remains his NBA championship win with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, a defining moment of his career following years of establishing himself as a reliable NBA contributor. Throughout his career, he has developed a reputation as a player who elevates his performance during playoff competition, most notably with his 16-point contribution off the bench in Game 2 against the Houston Rockets during the 2020 playoffs. His career-high 35-point game against Cleveland in 2015 remains one of his most impressive individual performances.
College Career Highlights
At the University of Kansas, Morris earned Second-team All-Big 12 honors during his junior season in 2010-2011. His selection to the Fifth Team All-America by Fox Sports highlighted his status as one of the top collegiate players in the country. The experience gained playing for the prestigious Kansas program under coach Bill Self prepared him well for the transition to professional basketball.
Markieff Morris Family
Family Background and Twin Brother Marcus
Morris was born seven minutes older than his fraternal twin brother Marcus Morris. The brothers have shared a unique bond throughout their lives, including playing together for the Phoenix Suns from 2013 to 2016. Their brief time as teammates on the same NBA roster made them the first brothers ever to start alongside each other for the same team. Markieff and Marcus have maintained a close relationship throughout their professional careers, even as they have played for different organizations at various points in their careers.
Personal Life
Morris is married to Thereza Wright-Morris, and together they have a daughter. The Morris twins established the Family Over Everything Foundation, an organization dedicated to assisting members of under-served communities in Philadelphia and other cities. Their charitable efforts reflect their commitment to giving back to the communities that supported them during their formative years. In terms of sports allegiances, Morris is a fan of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, while his brother Marcus favors the Philadelphia Eagles, creating a friendly rivalry between the twins. Morris’s nickname among teammates and fans is “Keef.”
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season began with Morris continuing his role with the Dallas Mavericks following his re-signing in September 2024. He was part of a Mavericks team that featured one of the league’s premier players in Luka Dončić and had reached the NBA Finals the previous season. Morris provided valuable veteran leadership and frontcourt depth as the team looked to build on its playoff success from the 2023-24 campaign. In February 2025, Morris was reunited with the Los Angeles Lakers as part of a major trade that brought Luka Dončić to Dallas. This second stint with the Lakers gave Morris an opportunity to contribute to a franchise with championship aspirations while working alongside a new collection of talent assembled around the Lakers’ core.