2ND THOUGHTS
MILWAUKEE — Marcus Morris will miss his fifth straight game Tuesday against the Bucks with a neck injury, but the veteran may have plenty of time in a Knicks’ uniform to make up for it despite the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaching.
According to an NBA source, some members of the front office are leaning toward holding onto Morris at the deadline — unless they get back a star-type player in a large package.
The source said a minor Morris deal that would net a late first-round pick and force them to take on a non-expiring contract is not an attractive option at this juncture. The Knicks prefer not to diminish their 2020 or 2021 cap space in any deal.
With Morris making $15 million this season, a third team would likely be needed to make the math work. The source said several playoff teams have interest in Morris.
Earlier in the season, the Knicks carried a different thought process. If they fell out of the playoff race by the deadline, they were prepared to net a first-rounder for Morris or a prospect and a second-round pick. As the season wore on, Morris has been invaluable as a clutch scorer, leader, and defender with a much-improved 3-point shot. Meanwhile, Kevin Knox, who plays Morris’ position, has struggled in his second season. The franchise can now envision Morris as part of the future and would attempt to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent. Knicks general manager Scott Perry is close to Morris’ new agent, Raymond Brothers of Roc Nation.