The Philadelphia 76ers face two major Eastern Conference rivals this season: the defending champion Boston Celtics and the new-generation New York Knicks.
The Knicks made a handful of acquisitions this offseason, including a trade for star Mikal Bridges, but their latest signing involves a former Sixers forward. New York management signs veteran Marcus Morris to Exhibit 9 contractthe team announced Sunday. An Exhibit 9 contract is similar to a tryout; the player attends training camp in hopes of proving he deserves a roster spot.
Sharpshooter Landry Shamet is also on that contract for the Knicks, meaning Morris faces some real competition for the job.
Rumors that Morris might return to his hometown 76ers began this summer, but Philadelphia opted to go in a different direction. They brought in forwards Caleb Martin (free agent), Paul George (free agent), Adem Bona (NBA Draft) and Guerschon Yabusele (buyout) instead.
Morris, the former No. 14 overall pick, spent the first half of the 2024 season with the Sixers before ultimately landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers by a series of transactionsHe embodies the grit and strong veteran presence that any title contender needs, making him the perfect final piece for the Knicks. During his limited time in Philadelphia, the companion made the average 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds on 43.9% shooting in 17.2 minutes.
Expect Morris and Shamet to put it all on the line in training camp in hopes of earning a role in New York’s title race.
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