[UPDATE: The agreement between Morris and the Spurs has fallen apart, and he has instead opted to sign with the Knicks.]
The Spurs have agreed to terms with free agent forward Marcus Morris, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic, who reports (via Twitter) that Morris will sign a two-year, $20MM contract with San Antonio. The deal will feature a second-year player option, Charania adds.
It appeared the Spurs wouldn’t have the flexibility to sign a player like Morris after seemingly committing most of their mid-level exception to DeMarre Carroll. However, San Antonio will acquire Carroll in a sign-and-trade after by sending Davis Bertans to Washington. That frees up the full mid-level, which will be used to sign Morris, as Jabari Young of The Athletic confirms (via Twitter).
Technically, Morris’ new deal will be worth just shy of $19MM over two years, with a first-year salary of $9.26MM. Using the full mid-level and acquiring Carroll via sign-and-trade will hard-cap the Spurs.
Morris, who earned the No. 22 spot on our list of this offseason’s top 50 free agents, was probably the most notable name still on the board after Kawhi Leonard and DeMarcus Cousins agreed to sign with the Clippers and Lakers, respectively. The 29-year-old had a solid year in Boston as the Celtics’ primary starting forward, averaging 13.9 PPG, 6.1 RPG, and 1.5 APG with a .447/.375/.844 shooting line.
Marcus is the second Morris twin to agree to a new contract this week — his brother Markieff Morris joined the Pistons on a two-year deal of his own.
As for the Spurs, they could still be in the market for one more veteran big man, but they only have the minimum salary exception available and will remain patient, according to Young.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
It’s a wild world when Marcus Morris makes 4 times as much as DeMarcus Cousins. Morris would have helped the Lakers a lot than Cousins too.
Wow, the Spurs are making some nice signings. What are the Mavs doing….
Wow. The Spurs have a really good roster right now. People might be surprised. I think they need an athletic big behind Aldridge and Poetl. I’m also curious to see how they get their young guys playing time, but I like what they’ve done a lot. Also insurance for a Carroll or Rudy Gay injury
Look at the Spurs go get creative. Trade a nice player in bertans and get two rotation guys in his place. Carroll and Morris. Slick move.
Lots of experienced vets that will help contribute in Rudy Gay, DeMarre Carroll and now Marcus Morris. This spurs team will have a pretty good defence especially with DeJonte Murray returning. Derrick White also looked really good and will improve playing in more of a sixth man role. Think the Spurs could look for more trades with Belinelli, Patty Mills and Lonnie Walker big they don’t have the pressure to have to make any now that they have a good looking team.
Lonnie Walker or Patty Mills aren’t going anywhere. Marco may go for a pick and roster spot. Problem is, u need Marco for spacing and shooting. Derrick White may be the starting SG, with DeRozan at SF. Pop will figure it out and play the matchups as needed!
That was pretty slick: “looked really good and will improve playing in more of a sixth man role”. Pops could use that. Either that or “you shouldn’t have gotten injured. Your replacement was better and is our new PG”.
Spurs have made some solid signings this off season, I’m pretty impressed with our team to compete next year…our only issue is if DeRozan dosn’t get over his exit from Toronto, I was hoping to see him change his attitude from ‘poor me’ to something more ‘F.’; them’…if Pop and Buford can make a Beal for DeRozan happen I would be over the moon.
DeRozan was much improved last year until he reverted back to his old self in crucial moments in the playoffs. I felt like he choked that round 1 win against Denver away. The Spurs should have won that series, the way it played out
I really like what the Spurs have done so far this offseason, and with the signings, draftees and a returning Murray, this looks like another SA fifty win top 5 seeds in the west.
Wonder if they would consider moving Derozan for a couple of decent pieces to further bulk up the roster? Trying to find a trade for him but it isn’t easy, and likely wouldn’t be until after December 15th.
Derozen back to TOR for Ibaka and a pick
Derozen to ORL for A.Gordon and a pick
Derozen to MINN for Wiggins and 3 picks
Derozen to MIA for Winslow and Olynyk