The Knicks have placed forwards Marcus Morris and Chuma Okeke on waivers, the team announced on Twitter.
Both players had non-guaranteed camp contracts, so New York won’t have any future financial obligations to either of them. Morris signed an Exhibit 9 deal two weeks ago, while Okeke inked an Exhibit 10 contract in August.
The moves are a prelude to the looming Karl-Anthony Towns trade with Minnesota. As our Luke Adams explained this morning, the Knicks’ financial situation will likely require multiple sign-and-trade deals before Towns can be acquired, so roster spots had to be opened to make those moves possible.
Morris, 35, is a 13-year NBA veteran. He split last season between Philadelphia and Cleveland, averaging 6.4 points and 2.7 rebounds in 49 total games.
Okeke, 26, spent the past four season with Orlando after being selected with the 16th pick in the 2019 draft. He averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in 47 games with the Magic last season.
It’s unclear whether or not the Knicks plan to bring back Morris and/or Okeke after the Towns trade is officially completed.
Can the Knicks bring Morris back? Or is he bitter for the release? I still can’t believe JB approved of Donte leaving so Disappointing. However Donte probably complaining about being a bench player now. It’s hard to please everyone. Let’s go Knicks!!!!
Why do ppl think he would complain a out being a bench player. He’s come off the bench before. He was in NY where he’s from. Why would he complain about being a 6th man. Wouldn’t have to move without the ball as much as he has to with JB. He’s a great facilitator. Being a 6th man would have maximized his value.
It’s already came out Thibs talked with him and said Bridges would have been the SG and he didn’t like the idea of a reduced role off the bench after his career season. What you have to remember is his value is at it’s all time best and he’s got 1 year left on his deal, he’s probably trying to look after himself and secure the bag which likely wouldn’t have happened as the Knicks 7th man (Josh Hart 6th man) and playing a reduced role.
In Minny he and Naz Reid are going to be beasts off the bench it’s reminding me of the 19/20 clippers team with Harrell and Lou Will.
NAW also has an expiring deal, Conley and Gobert aging, he might be able to secure a good 15/20mil+ deal with a crazy season and good playoff run again
If you treat people like a professional, there should be no qualms with returning.
I think the Knicks trying to do too much will backfire on them. Donte leaving ruins the whole point of the reunion tour.
You had the heart and soul team and didn’t have to swing for the fences.
@Cowboy. I agree with you. It’s a real shame the Nova guys didn’t get at least one season together. I wished IHART would have stayed. Everything changed when he left and Knicks desperately needing a center because Mitch always hurt.