The New York Knicks unexpectedly pull Marcus Morris away from the San Antonio Spurs after offering an enticing one-year contract.
The New York Knicks are adding another power forward to an already crowded group. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Morris will sign a one-year, $15 million contract with the Knicks after reneging on an agreement with the San Antonio Spurs.
According to Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Knicks have the room exception available to fill their 15th and final roster spot. The Knicks are expected to use the room exception to sign Reggie Bullock per Ian Begley of SNY.
Morris is coming off of the best season of his career. The stretch-four averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season. Although those numbers don’t jump off the page, he did so on 44.7% shooting and 37.5% from deep. Last season was the most efficient season of Morris’ career.
He’s a solid defender and can bring a physical presence to Madison Square Garden. Yes, head coach David Fizdale is going to have to juggle playing time for Morris, Bobby Portis, Julius Randle, Taj Gibson, and Kevin Knox at the four, but those situations tend to work themselves out.
There’s an excellent chance that the Knicks look to flip one or more of the veteran power forwards on the roster when the trade deadline rolls around. Contending teams are always looking for depth and the Knicks have a ton of flexible trade assets.
This signing won’t drastically alter the 2019-20 Knicks. In all likelihood, they still won’t sniff the playoffs and that’s fine. The front office is bringing in guys like Morris, Gibson, and Wayne Ellington to show the young bucks the way. Moreover, they aren’t mortgaging the future to bring in veteran talent.