Free agent Marcus Morris has agreed to return to the LA Clippers, a source told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Morris played in only 19 regular-season games and 13 postseason games for the Clippers, who fell short of their title goal by blowing a 3-1 lead and losing in the second round to Denver. But Morris started each game he played in and became a key contributor, scoring in double figures in nine playoff games.
The 6-foot-8 Morris was a key player in the Clippers’ starting lineup, averaging 11.8 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 47.5% from 3-point range in the playoffs.
The Clippers beat out other teams competing for Morris at last season’s deadline by trading Moe Harkless to the New York Knicks, along with a 2020 first-round pick, a protected 2021 first-round swap option and a 2021 second-round pick from Detroit. They also sent guard Jerome Robinson to Washington as part of the three-team deal for Morris.
Morris, 31, gave the Clippers versatility, able to play center and defend big and small front-court players. In addition to stretching the floor, he played with his trademark physicality, sometimes toeing the line, like when he sparked controversy during the first round against Dallas. He stepped on Luka Doncic‘s left ankle during Game 5, denying that he was trying to injure Doncic, who took exception while playing with a sprained ankle. Morris was also ejected in Game 6 after committing a flagrant foul on Doncic. The veteran again denied that he was trying to hurt Doncic.
Morris has played with six teams and was having a career season with the Knicks before the trade to the Clippers. He averaged a career-high 19.6 points and 43.9% 3-point shooting in 43 games with New York.
