Marcus Morris
Marcus Morris a near perfect addition for the Trail Blazers. He is in the prime of his career, only makes $15 million this year, and has all the prerequisite skills that this team is missing this season. Morris is a tough customer who can shoot, get to the rim, and defend some of the leagues big wing threats.
HIs three point shooting and ability to defend threes and fours make him one of premium trade targets and free agents in next years market.
Yes he is stuck on the poor old New York Knicks, but this is a good thing for any team trying to acquire his services. The Knicks probably aren’t contending for the playoffs anytime soon, and if their season goes as most think it will, they may trade every asset they can to get something back for their lost season.
Similar to Gallinari, the Blazers want to think about their ability to re-sign any of the players they spent assets on this season. With Morris being on a one year deal with the Knicks the Blazers wouldn’t acquire his bird rights. This may not seem like a big deal, but if they don’t have the players bird rights then they can’t go over the cap to re-sign him.
With the Blazers looking like they will be over the cap next season, then having the bird rights of a player or two would be ideal.
Asset wise, he Knicks may try and push for a first round pick for Morris. A team might offer a first rounder for him but again, the Blazers will need to decide if they want to spend this type of asset on someone who may leave in the summer. If they can get a reassurance he will stay then that may make the deal worthwhile.