The New Orleans Pelicans have waived forward Markieff Morris.
Morris, who was acquired from the Washington Wizards hours before the trade deadline Thursday, is in the final season of a four-year, $32 million contract. If the 29-year-old clears waivers in the next 48 hours — which is likely considering a team would have to absorb the remainder of his contract by picking him up — the dynamic forward will likely be a popular buyout candidate for contenders looking to improve their rosters.
However, his health may be a factor. In January, Morris was ruled out for at least six weeks due to transient cervical neurapaxia — a rare but dangerous condition that affects fewer than 2-in-100,000 athletes and is characterized by pain, loss of strength, and a loss of sensation in a person’s limbs.
As long as he signs with a team before Mar. 1, he’ll be eligible to play in the post-season.
In 34 games this season, Morris has averaged 11.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.9 assists, while shooting 43.6 per cent from the field.
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