The New York Knicks brought a familiar face back a couple weeks ago when they signed Marcus Morris Sr. to a non-guaranteed deal. He spent the first half of the 2019-20 season in NYC before he was traded to the Clippers.
Morris’s time with the Knicks was brief but impactful. New York wouldn’t have gotten Immanuel Quickley if it wasn’t for him. If it weren’t for Quickley, the Knicks wouldn’t have OG Anunoby. Morris returning to New York but it didn’t last long.
The Knicks’ decision to sign Morris made sense. New York’s frontcourt depth was thin after Isaiah Hartenstein left in free agency. Mitchell Robinson is still on the roster but will miss the first few months of the season. Morris had a shot to make the final roster, but that was before Friday night.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Timberwolves were finalizing a deal to send Karl-Anthony Towns to the Knicks. Two minutes later, Charania reported that Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo were going to Minnesota in the deal. The trade isn’t yet official, but it should be soon.
Marcus Morris Sr.’s decision to reject the New York Knicks’ invite after being traded makes perfect sense when considering the context of his NBA journey. Following his recent trade to the Philadelphia 76ers from the Los Angeles Clippers, it’s understandable why Morris would decline a chance to return to his former team, the Knicks.
Morris played briefly for the Knicks during the 2019-2020 season, where he showcased his skills and became one of the team’s standout players. However, his stint was cut short when he was traded to the Clippers mid-season in exchange for assets, including draft picks. Since then, Morris has focused on cementing his role as a key contributor for playoff-contending teams, which included his time with the Clippers, where he developed into a reliable veteran presence, especially in high-pressure games.
The Knicks’ invite likely came with a sense of nostalgia, but Morris’ decision to move on reflects his desire to pursue championships with a competitive squad like the 76ers. Philadelphia, with its championship aspirations led by MVP Joel Embiid and newly acquired guard James Harden, provides a much better opportunity for Morris to contribute to a winning culture compared to the Knicks, who are still in the rebuilding phase.
Moreover, joining the Knicks could have placed Morris in a less favorable role, as the team is stacked with young talent that the front office is keen on developing. With players like Julius Randle and RJ Barrett leading the charge, Morris might have been used more as a rotational player, whereas he has shown he prefers being a more integral part of a team’s success, as seen with the Clippers.
Another factor in Morris’ decision could be his desire for stability after experiencing multiple trades in recent years. At this stage of his career, playing for a serious contender like the 76ers offers him a clearer path to contributing meaningfully while chasing a championship. The rejection is less about any ill feelings towards the Knicks and more about the opportunity that fits his aspirations at this point in his career.
Ultimately, Morris’ decision to reject the Knicks’ invitation aligns with his professional goals and his desire to remain competitive in a league where veteran players often seek championship opportunities in the latter stages of their careers. While Knicks fans may have appreciated a reunion, Morris’ eyes are firmly set on adding a championship ring to his career accomplishments.