NBA Rumors: Former Celtic Forward Makes U-Turn After Spurs Spurn Offer

With most of the attention on the big names this NBA free agency, one name that hardly drew attention is Marcus Morris. It was initially believed that the 29-year-old was headed to the San Antonio Spurs. However, it seems like the 14th overall pick of the 2011 NBA Draft has changed his mind and is now instead interested in playing with the New York Knicks.

Last July 7, league sources told Shams Charania of The Athletic that Morris agreed to a two-year deal $20 million with the Spurs with the second year a player option. However, multiple reports revealed that the Spurs were pulling out that offer and instead agreed to take in Trey Lyle, according to NBA.com. Hence, this left Morris with no choice but to accept a one-year $15 million deal with the Knicks.

It turns out that Morris based on his decision according to what he deemed was best for him and his family. He explained the developments to The Athletic's Charania in a separate tweet. After spending two seasons with the Boston Celtics off the bench, Morris beefs up a formidable frontline that already is showing promise. That includes the likes of Taj Gibson, Julius Randle, and Lance Thomas.

Morris averaged 13.9 points and 6.1 rebounds last season with the Celtics. Aside from the numbers, however, it was more about the 29-year-old's attitude and leadership that a young team like the Knicks would need next season. After failing to land alleged main targets Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant, the Gotham City-based squad is shaping up to be an entirely different and competitive team heading into the 2019-20 NBA season.

It should be noted that the deal is only for one year for Morris. Seeing how the team suddenly ended up with tested names at the center-forward position, there is a chance that the Knicks could still do further tweaking down the line.

There is a chance that roster changes via trade or waives in the coming NBA season could happen - entirely depending on how well the team performs. Gibson, Randle and Portis are tried and tested veterans like Morris - meaning a sudden change in cast would depend on their ability to blend in with the system of head coach David Fizdale and the numbers they are able to churn out and how well the Knicks are able to turn things around following a disastrous 2018-19 NBA season.