After scoring a career-high 38 points in the Knicks' 135-132 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday afternoon, Marcus Morris made his intentions very clear.
Amid trade rumors going around, the Knicks leading scorer was asked if the trade deadline will be interesting for him.
"No," Morris said. "I'm in New York."
Morris was then asked if he still wants to be with the Knicks.
"You just asked me that last game," Morris said. "That isn't going to change. I love our team. I love our future. I just want to be a part of helping these young guys grow into the great players they're going to be."
Over the summer he signed a one-year, $15 million deal with the Knicks, and was asked if he sees himself as part of the team's future.
"That was the reason why I made the decision to come here, going back on the decisions I made, along with a lot of other things," Morris said. "I'm here and I enjoy this organization, I enjoy the players they got here and I want to be here long term."
"I want to be here long term"
- Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) January 5, 2020
➡ Marcus Morris pic.twitter.com/nbHq0x9kVQ
Morris and the Knicks have gone 6-8 since interim head coach Mike Miller took over for David Fizdale, as the team has looked stronger.
"I love Fiz and I think he did a great job here," Morris said. "It comes with the business. I think we're getting better. That happened in the past, I don't really want to revisit that. We're tying to build something here, we're trying to get better. At the end of the day, Mike is doing an excellent job, putting us in the right position to win and we're trying to make something happen."
As far as a trade market for Morris, several teams continue to say that the Knicks should be able to get a late first-round pick in return for the veteran forward. The New York Post reported that the Sixers have interest in Morris. Opposing teams expect other contenders like the Clippers and Lakers to feel out the market for Morris as well. The issue for the Knicks will be matching salaries, as Morris is making $15 million this season.
Another factor in any Morris deal? Some members of the Knicks organization believe Morris has long-term value with the club, SNY sources say. They have been impressed by his play and his leadership during the season and see him as a valuable player in the team they're hoping to rebuild.
The Knicks obviously have a ton of cap space this summer. Are they willing to spend enough to bring Morris back? If they hold on to him after the trade deadline and then they don't re-sign him, it would be a missed opportunity.
