LeBron James’ arrival has turned the Philadelphia 76ers into a destination for veterans chasing another championship. One of the latest candidates does not need an introduction to the city.
Philadelphia native Markieff Morris publicly nominated himself for the 76ers’ final veteran roster spot after news emerged that Kevin Love also wants to reunite with James.
“Shiddd if it’s anybody getting that last Vet roster spot it’s gonna be me!” Morris wrote on X. “Philly raised!!!”
Morris was responding to ESPN’s report that Love’s agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, contacted Philadelphia’s front office after James signed with the franchise. Love and James played four seasons together in Cleveland and won the 2016 NBA championship.
Morris has his own championship history with James. The two were teammates on the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers, with Morris becoming a valuable frontcourt reserve during their title run inside the NBA bubble.
His message, however, should not be confused with evidence of mutual interest. There has been no indication that the 76ers have offered Morris a contract or initiated discussions with his representatives.
Markieff Morris Offers Philadelphia Connection
GettyJoel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks the shot of Markieff Morris of the Miami Heat in the second half during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at the Wells Fargo Center on May 8, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Morris, who turns 37 on Sept. 2, was born and raised in Philadelphia alongside his twin brother, Marcus. He attended Prep Charter before playing at Kansas and becoming the 13th overall selection in the 2011 NBA draft.
Markieff has never played for the 76ers, although Marcus spent part of the 2023-24 season with his hometown team.
Adding Markieff would give Philadelphia another experienced and physically imposing forward who understands the limited role required beside James. He has appeared in 791 regular-season games, averaging 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting 34.1% from 3-point range.
The more relevant numbers are less imposing.
Morris last played during the 2024-25 season, appearing in 15 games for Dallas and the Lakers. He averaged 3.7 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 11 minutes. He has not appeared in an NBA game since April 2025.
Love offers more recent production. The five-time All-Star averaged 6.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 37 games for Utah last season while shooting 37.3% from beyond the arc.
Love is the better floor spacer and rebounder at this stage. Morris’ case rests more heavily on toughness, locker-room presence, championship experience and his connection to Philadelphia.
76ers’ Final Roster Spot Comes With a Catch
Morris is correct that Philadelphia has one standard roster spot remaining. Whether the Sixers can immediately give it to him — or Love — is another matter.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope became the 14th player under a standard contract when he officially joined Philadelphia. The Sixers previously waived Dalen Terry and traded Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the Clippers for cash considerations, creating enough room beneath the first-apron hard cap to complete their offseason moves.
Philadelphia is approximately $1.8 million below that hard cap, according to Salary-cap expert Yossi Gozlan. That is not enough to sign a player with prior NBA experience to a full-season veteran-minimum contract.
The Sixers therefore have a 15th roster spot available only in theory.
Gozlan calculated that Dec. 4 is the earliest Philadelphia could add a veteran on a prorated minimum without reducing its payroll. Signing Morris or Love sooner would require another move to create room beneath the apron.
Philadelphia could ultimately choose Love’s shooting, Morris’ toughness or the flexibility of leaving the position vacant.
Morris, at least, has made his preference unmistakable. After fans questioned where he would find minutes, he responded that “15 people can’t play” and indicated he would accept a limited role.
The hometown candidate wants the job. The Sixers’ cap sheet says he may have to wait for the interview.
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