New York Knicks forward Marcus Morris explains his decision to back out his deal with the San Antonio Spurs and part ways with super agent Rich Paul.
In an interview with Shams Charania of The Athletic, Morris said that he communicated with the Spurs throughout his free agency process. Morris originally agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with Gregg Popovich's team before reneging and signing a one-year deal worth $15 million with New York.
“Pop and I had a long conversation about everything, not just basketball,” Morris told The Athletic. “I have a lot of love for that organization and the opportunity they were giving me to put on a Spurs jersey. That was part of my process. He was the only coach I spoke to besides coach Fiz.
“I have a good relationship with those guys and I have so much respect for (head coach) Pop (Gregg Popovich), (general manager) RC (Buford) and (assistant GM) Brian Wright,” Morris told The Athletic. “The first thing that I did when I knew I would be going another direction, I called and made sure they knew. There was no shade. There’s no disrespect. I had great conversations afterward, and as long as I feel that I’m clear with them and gave them my truth, I feel good about moving forward.
Morris, a 6-foot-9 forward and twin to fellow NBA player Markieff Morris, played for the Boston Celtics these past two seasons. He also torpedoed rumors that Paul advised him not to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Further, Morris stated that he believed the Spurs deal was “all that [he] had.” In other words, he didn't expect other options on the table, like in the form of a Knicks offer.
Morris averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game in 75 appearances for the Celtics last season.
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