The New York Knicks struck the latest NBA blockbuster by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Twins, but the ripple effect of adding four-time All-Star directed former Boston Celtics forward Marcus Morris Sr. back to free agency -- after initially signing an Exhibit 9 deal roughly two weeks ago.
Morris was waived alongside Chuma Okeke -- due to financial complications -- on Saturday, less than 24 hours after the news broke that three-time All-Star Julius Randle was heading to Minnesota while Towns was arriving in The Big Apple. New York announced the roster transactions but didn't close the door on Morris for good as the 35-year-old declined a camp deal offer to re-join the Knicks, per The Athletic's James Edwards, giving him another shot at exploring the open market once more before the 2024-25 season officially opens later this month.
The initial plan was for Morris to battle his way toward earning an end-of-the-bench spot on New York's new and improved roster. However, with the Knicks (clearly) not holding back any chances to better their odds against the reigning champion Celtics and everyone else in the Eastern Conference hungry for redemption, New York couldn't squander the opportunity to add a frontcourt threat of Towns' caliber to pair with team leader Jalen Brunson. For Morris, on the other hand, it's back to square one.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau -- pending the finalization of the New York-Minnesota swap -- now has Towns and second-year power forward O.G. Anunoby at the frontcourt with Precious Achiuwa and Mitchell Robinson, who's sidelined (stress fracture) until December, coming off the bench. Even with Robinson injured for the time being, not much room is left for Morris to pitch in and carve out a role accompanied by any meaningful playing time.
Morris averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.3 assists while shooting 43.9% from the field and 40.3% from 3-point range while playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers. It wasn't until late March that Morris joined the Cavaliers on a 10-day contract before Cleveland kept the 13-year veteran aboard for its playoff run, which ended in the semifinals in the hands of the Celtics. Morris logged nine appearances throughout that postseason run, averaging 6.1 points with 2.8 rebounds and 0.4 steals in 15.3 minutes off Cleveland's bench.
Plenty of teams across the league, especially those with financial wiggle room poised to embark on a deep playoff hunt in 2025, could use Morris as a high-intensity leader with seven seasons of postseason experience under his belt. Since training camp has already commenced and preseason action is just around the corner, Morris is working with a limited time window before Opening Night arrives.
