Ex-76ers forward signs unique contract with Eastern Conference rival

The Philadelphia 76ers are facing two main rivals in the Eastern Conference this season, the reigning champion Boston Celtics and the new-look New York Knicks.

The Knicks made a handful of acquisitions this offseason, highlighted by a trade for star Mikal Bridges, but their latest signing comes with an ex-Sixers forward. New York's front office is signing veteran Marcus Morris on an Exhibit 9 contract , the team announced Sunday. An Exhibit 9 contract is similar to a tryout; the player attends training camp in hopes of proving worthy of a roster spot.

Sharpshooter Landry Shamet is also on this deal for the Knicks, meaning Morris is facing legit competition for the slot.

Rumblings of Morris returning to his hometown 76ers occurred this summer, but Philadelphia opted to go in other directions. They brought in forwards Caleb Martin (free agency) , Paul George (free agency), Adem Bona (NBA Draft), and Guerschon Yabusele (buyout) instead.

Morris, the former No. 14 pick, spent the first half of the 2024 season with the Sixers before eventually landing with the Cleveland Cavaliers through a series of transactions . He embodies the grit and strong veteran presence needed by every championship contender, making him the perfect final piece for the Knicks. During his limited time in Philadelphia, the journeyman averaged 6.7 points and 2.7 rebounds on 43.9% shooting in 17.2 minutes.

Expect Morris and Shamet to put it all on the line at training camp in hopes of earning a role in New York's title run.

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