Marcus Morris, an experienced forward, has agreed to an Exhibit 9 deal with the New York Knicks, the organization announced on Sunday. The veteran sharpshooter Landry Shamet, who was also signed by New York on Saturday, is the second noteworthy Exhibit 9 contract that the Knicks have awarded in as many days. Contracts in Exhibit 9 are effectively invitations to training camp. Morris and Shamet will now have an opportunity to join the Knicks. Chuma Okeke, a former first-round choice of the Orlando Magic who is also on a non-guaranteed contract, will compete with them for New York’s final roster spot.
Morris is a 13-year NBA veteran who will begin his 35th season. He has played for eight different NBA teams. Among them are the Knicks, with whom he had an unforgettable but short-lived season in 2019–20. At the 2020 trade deadline, the Knicks sent him to the Clippers; he remained in Los Angeles until the previous season, when he was a part of the historic trade for James Harden. He was moved in a deal that sent Buddy Hield to the 76ers, but he stayed in Philadelphia until the trade deadline. He joined with the Cleveland Cavaliers after a buyout, where he played out the 2023–24 season.
Although Morris is a physically strong forward who can guard bigger wings, his shooting is what really sets him apart. In the NBA, he’s made 37.7% of his 3-pointers; the previous season, he was just over 40%. Age has taken its toll on his defense, and he is not as creative with his appearance as he was in his prime, but he is still an accomplished wing that the organization knows well from his initial tenure in New York.
