After the OKC Thunder stood pat at the trade deadline, it was clear the team would seek to improve via the buyout market. Initially, their top-target was Wesley Matthews. Instead, he chose the Indiana Pacers, due to the absence of Victor Oladipo. So the Thunder moved into the bidding war for Markieff Morris and won.
Morris did not provide much for the Thunder. His shooting was inconsistent, his defense questionable, and he often appeared winded, although the latter is likely related to Morris being sidelined for over two months because of a severe neck injury.