​The Los Angeles Lakers have officially renounced the free-agent rights to a notable frontcourt contributor, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. The move involves parting ways with a 6-foot-10 NBA champion forward who once played a role in the high-profile Luka Doncic-Dallas Mavericks trade of 2025. Scotto reported on Wednesday that the Lakers have formally relinquished their free-agent rights to LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Dion Waiters, Luke Kennard, Marcus Smart, Maxi Kleber, Nick Smith Jr., Jared Dudley, Avery Bradley, Jaxson Hayes, Markieff Morris, and Wayne Ellington.
To recap the trade that sparked the discussion: on February 2, 2025, the Mavericks sent Luka Doncic, Marcus Morris, and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a 2029 first-round pick. The Utah Jazz were also involved in the deal, acquiring Jalen Hood-Schifino, the Clippers’ 2025 second-round pick, and the Mavericks’ 2025 second-round pick. Before landing in this notable exchange, Morris had already won a championship with the Lakers during the 2019-20 season, contributing 14.2 minutes and 5.3 points per game across 14 appearances, while shooting 40.6 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.
The Kansas native continued his career with the Lakers the following season, then moved on to teams including the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, and Mavericks. In an unexpected turn, Morris rejoined the Lakers in 2025, but his stint lasted only eight games before he became an unrestricted free agent. If Morris’ NBA career is indeed over—whether or not he played in the 2025-26 season—the former first-round pick can still be proud of a lengthy, more-than-decade-long career and a championship to his name.
For more NBA updates, including the Lakers’ ongoing roster decisions and potential salary-cap moves, stay tuned. This ongoing discussion also touches on broader trade implications and how roster calculations affect teams’ plans for the coming seasons. As the league moves forward, attention remains on the balance between veteran depth and young talent, and how frontcourt contributors like Morris fit into teams’ long-term visions.
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