New York Knicks: 4 free agents to avoid this offseason

1) Free agents for the Knicks to avoid: Marcus Morris

With the Clippers losing in the second round of the playoffs, Marcus Morris might want to return to New York. He was having the best season of his career while wearing orange and blue, averaging 19.6 points per game and shooting 43.9% from three before getting traded.

While his individual numbers were great, the Knicks’ team success was not. His isolation-heavy offense slowed down the game and took opportunities away from younger players. The Knicks played like a 24-win team before the trade, then played at a 33-win pace after he left.

Not only did the team play better, but many individual youngsters saw statistical improvements after Morris left.

RJ Barrett averaged 14.0 points on 39% shooting before the trade, then put up 15.2 points on 42.2% shooting after it was completed. Before the deal with the Clippers, Mitchell Robinson averaged 9.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game on 72% shooting. After the trade, those numbers bumped up to 11.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game on 80% shooting.

The Knicks ranked 28th in the league in total assists per game while Morris was on the team. As you may have guessed by now, the Knicks moved up to 20th in the timespan after he was dealt.

Marcus Morris is a tough-minded competitor who has been a part of many winning teams throughout his career. However, he doesn’t fit alongside younger players and hasn’t moved the needle when operating as a top option.

His past season as a Knick was certainly memorable, but a reunion should not be in the cards.