Cavaliers sign Marcus Morris Sr. to 10-day contract

This season, over 37 games with Philadelphia, Marcus Morris Sr. averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 rebounds.

CLEVELAND (AP) — Missing three regular starters with injuries, the Cleveland Cavaliers signed forward Marcus Morris Sr. to a 10-day contract on Monday to give them some depth.

Earlier in the season, Morris participated in 37 games for Philadelphia before he was traded to San Antonio on Feb. 8. The 34-year-old subsequently agreed to a buyout with the Spurs and was waived on Feb. 29, which kept his postseason eligibility intact.

.@MookMorris2 checking in from shootaround. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/MIkohf76m7

— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 18, 2024

He might extend his stay with the Cavs beyond his 10-day contract, given the team is severely affected by injuries. The Cavs have been on a losing streak, with three losses out of four recent games, and a record of just 4-6 in their last ten matches.

All-Star Donovan Mitchell continues to be hindered by a left knee bruise that has been troubling him since the break. He is set to miss Monday’s game against Indiana, and it’s probable that the Cavs will give their top scorer a few more games off to ensure he’s prepared for the postseason.

Two weeks ago, Mitchell had a platelet-rich plasma injection and was out for seven consecutive games before making a comeback last week. After Saturday’s defeat in Houston, he expressed his annoyance for not being able to easily surpass defenders due to his knee injury, appearing to concede to the necessity of additional rest.

Starting the week as the No. 3 team overall in the Eastern Conference, Cleveland is missing forward Evan Mobley due to an ankle injury and guard Max Strus because of a knee injury. Additionally, it is uncertain whether reserve Dean Wade, who also has a knee injury, will be able to play against the Pacers.

Morris, who has established a reputation for toughness throughout his 13-year career with Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, New York, the Clippers, and 76ers, provides some assistance to coach J.B. Bickerstaff until they return.

After a stellar career at Kansas, Morris was selected as the No. 14 overall pick by Houston in 2011. Throughout his career, he has averaged 12.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 26.7 minutes per game.