76ers foolishly let free agent target slip to crucial rival

A former Philadelphia 76ers forward has found a new home for the second time since his departure during last season’s trade deadline.

Marcus Morris Sr has agreed to terms on a one year, non-guaranteed contract with the New York Knicks that will see him rejoin the team for a second stint. Morris last played for the Big Apple during the 2019-2020 season, during which he averaged a career high 19.6 points per game across 43 games. 

Morris spent time with the 76ers last season after he was acquired alongside KJ Martin, Robert Covington, and Nic Batum from the Los Angeles Clippers in the James Harden trade. It was a homecoming of sorts for Morris who grew up in Philadelphia with his brother Markieff and attended Prep Charter prior to his collegiate career at Kansas.

Morris even received the key to the city in an emotional ceremony in January for his charitable contributions to the area. While he was not a major contributor during his time in Philadelphia, Morris did start 7 games and was a consistent three point shooter, as he shot 40% from beyond the arc.

Altogether, he played 37 games for his hometown 76ers, averaging 6.7 points per game to go along with 2.9 rebounds before he was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a three team deal. Morris ultimately was waived and landed with the Cleveland Cavaliers where he played a handful of games before his contract expired.

Marcus Morris spurns 76ers, signs with Knicks

Over the course of his career, Morris has been a valuable presence on the offensive end as he is averaging 12 points per game and 4.4 rebounds over the course of 832 games. He has 509 starts under his belt, which shows that he can have a big impact both on the bench and in the starting rotation. In addition to his aforementioned tenures with the Sixers, Cavaliers, Clippers, and Knicks, he has also spent time with the Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics in 13 professional seasons.

Morris will be fighting for one of the final roster spots on a Knicks team that is loaded with talent with the likes of Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Julius Randle rounding out the fold.

If Morris does indeed make the roster, he will join Cameron Payne as former Sixers on the squad. By technicality, Mikal Bridges would be the third former member of the Sixers as he was drafted by the team but ultimately traded before he played a game for his hometown club.

As Marcus Morris enters into his 14th season in the NBA, he will do so looking to contribute to a contending roster. The Knicks enter the season as one of the favorites to win the NBA title and will pose a big threat to the Sixers as a potential contender in the Eastern Conference. Morris’ first game against the Sixers is scheduled for November 12th in Philadelphia in what promises to be an exciting, thrilling affair.