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NY Knicks: Re-visiting the 2019 free agent class one year later

By Andrew Pistone

SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 13: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks smiles during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 13, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - DECEMBER 13: Julius Randle #30 of the New York Knicks smiles during the game against the Sacramento Kings on December 13, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sep 13, 2020; Lake Buena Vista, Florida, USA; LA Clippers forward Marcus Morris Sr. (31) reacts to a call during the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets in game six of the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Marcus Morris: 1 Year, $15 Million

Grade: B+

Commentary: It’s still amazing that Morris decided to join the Knicks after having verbally agreed to a deal with the San Antonio Spurs. While the younger Morris twin isn’t up for a GOAT debate or an All-NBA team, this decision should give Knicks fans some hope that players still view MSG as a relatively desirable destination.

He had the chance to play for future Hall of Fame coach Gregg Popovich, on a team that made the playoffs 22 consecutive years (that streak ended this season), and he decided to take his talents to 33rd Street and 7th Avenue.

Marcus did receive more money from New York up front in a one year deal, versus the two year contract he verbally agreed to with the Spurs, but since Knicks fans don’t get many wins in July and August, we’ll fly our flag high and proud on this one.

Morris had some big moments in his brief stint with New York before being traded away—his dagger against the Mavericks in November 2019 most prominently comes to mind. A little less notable, but no less memorable, was his altercation with Washington Wizards forward Justin Anderson in the preseason. Morris could have probably picked a more established foil than the journeyman swing player to make his point, but undoubtedly wanted to show his teammates that the Knicks were not going to be pushed around while he was in town.

He was always going to be a mercenary on a rebuilding team, but he made in impact during his short time in orange and blue.

"“It’s tough, especially to lose him. He was really great for us throughout the season,” said RJ Barrett. “He won the last two games for us at the end. It was tough to see him go. I texted him and told him I appreciated him, but like I said, it’s a business and we’ve got to keep moving forward.” Via SNY"

Next. Players most likely to thrive under Thibs. dark

The fact that the Knicks were able to get three picks for Morris (2020 Clippers first rounder, 2021 Clippers first round swap rights, 2020 Pistons second rounder) is remarkable, and the respectable grade on the transaction is factored in large part due to the assets they received for a rental player.

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