Markieff Morris had to give back his entire 2020/21 salary in order to complete his buyout with the Detroit Pistons.
Morris signed a two-year, $6.5 million contract with the Pistons in free agency this past summer. Yet, he was forced to give back his entire salary for next year, otherwise he could not become a free agent and join the LA Lakers.
“Markieff Morris sacrificed the most guaranteed salary in a buyout than any other player this season. Morris gave back a total of $4,540,113 to the Pistons.
$940,113 came out of his 2019-20 salary and the remaining $3.6 million came from declining his 2020-21 player option. His prorated minimum salary right after clearing waivers would’ve been $694,702, but he signed with the Lakers for $1.75 million for the rest of the season.
While it appears he lost $2.8 million in the process, the combination of the $1.75 million for 2019-20 and signing for at least the veteran minimum in 2020-21 (currently projected at $2.45 million for Morris) will recoup enough money to almost break even.
Like Jackson, having a shot to prove he can contribute for a contender is more valuable to Morris’ free agency stock than finishing the season with Detroit,” Yossi Gozlan of Hoops Hype reports.
Morris appeared in 44 games for the Pistons this season, averaging 11.0 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 assists.
