76ers Get Bold Roster Pitch From LeBron James’ Former Teammate After Kevin Love News

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76ers Get Bold Roster Pitch From LeBron James’ Former Teammate After Kevin Love News

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 05: Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers reaches for the ball against Kevin Love #42 of the Miami Heat during the first half at the Wells Fargo Center on February 05, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) Getty

Alder Almo

Sat, Aug 8, 2026 ·

4 min read

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 08: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers blocks the shot of Markieff Morris #8 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. The 76ers defeated the Heat 116-108. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) Getty

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

Miami Heat v Philadelphia 76ers - Game Four

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 Have No Immediate Opening

Despite Morris' reference to the "last" veteran spot, the 76ers are already at the 15-player regular-season limit after signing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope .

Philadelphia previously waived Dalen Terry and traded rookie Johni Broome and a second-round pick to the Clippers for cash considerations, creating the openings needed for James and Caldwell-Pope.

Accommodating Morris or Love would therefore require another trade or waiver. The Sixers would also have to remain beneath the first-apron hard cap while adding another veteran-minimum salary.

That makes this more than a sentimental decision.

Love would give coach Nick Nurse a stretch big behind Joel Embiid , complementing the defense and athleticism of Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti . Morris would offer a rugged forward capable of absorbing physical assignments while providing another veteran voice.

Philadelphia could also preserve flexibility and enter training camp with its current roster rather than forcing a move for an aging reserve.

Morris nevertheless made his preference unmistakable. When fans questioned where his minutes would come from on a loaded team, he answered that "15 people can't play" and said he would be comfortable with a limited role.

James already brought championship expectations and Caldwell-Pope to Philadelphia.

Now two more former teammates are making their cases to join him — and one believes being raised in the city should break the tie.

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This article was originally published on HEAVY

The post 76ers Get Bold Roster Pitch From LeBron James' Former Teammate After Kevin Love News appeared first on HEAVY .

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