The New York Knicks continued to add to their roster on Sunday, signing veteran forward Marcus Morris Sr. to an Exhibit 9 contract.
An Exhibit 9 contract is essentially an invitation to training camp. The Knicks also signed veteran guard Landry Shamet to an Exhibit 9 contract, meaning he and Morris will be competing for the last guaranteed roster spot on the Knicks.
Morris spent part of the 2019-20 season with the Knicks and was one of the lone bright spots on a team that finished 21-45. Morris averaged 19.6 points on 43% three-point shooting in 43 games with the Knicks. He was traded at the deadline to the LA Clippers for a first-round pick (who essentially became Immanuel Quickley).
His stint with the Knicks left a positive impression on the team. According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Morris has a “real chance” of making the final roster.
Marcus Morris Sr.’s Exhibit 9 contract is obviously not guaranteed, but he is considered a 4/5 point player by NYK at this point in his career, according to league sources, and has a real chance to make NYK’s regular season roster.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 15, 2024
Marcus Morris Sr. was very good with the Knicks during his last stint, which ended with a 2020 trade to LAC. Morris Sr.’s return included a first-round pick in 2020. That pick was essentially used to select Immanuel Quickley. NYK struggled on the court during Morris Sr.’s tenure, but he was…
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) September 15, 2024
Morris has seen his play decline in recent years. He gradually lost time in the Clippers’ rotation and spent the 2023-24 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers. Morris played just 12 games with the Cavs.
It’s interesting that the Knicks are considering Morris as a fourth- or fifth-round pick, given the current dynamics of the team’s roster. The Knicks are short at center and will need to address that position at some point this season. In the meantime, Julius Randle could play more center, and we’ve written that the 6’4″ Keita Bates-Diop could even be worth trying as a fifth-rounder.
Morris is 6-foot-8 and 218 pounds, which would put him in the small-frame position at center. However, Morris has long been known for his toughness, so he could probably play some minutes there if needed.
Of course, Morris will have to battle Shamet (as well as power forward Chuma Okeke, another non-guaranteed player in training camp for the final roster spot). Given the types of players head coach Tom Thibodeau has historically preferred, it would seem Morris has a clear path.
