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NBA Trade Rumors: Clippers 'Widely Expected' to Explore Deals Involving Marcus Morris

Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTFeatured Columnist IVApril 20, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 09: Marcus Morris Sr. #8 of the Los Angeles Clippers reacts after a three-point basket during the first half to Kings at Crypto.com Arena on April 09, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

Marcus Morris Sr. might not be long for the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times, the team is "widely expected to look at Morris' contract as a way to facilitate potential trades to upgrade the roster."

Morris, 32, had a solid season for the Clippers, averaging 15.4 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 43.4 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from three. He started all 54 games he played in the 2021-22 campaign. 

But with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George hopefully healthy for a full season, Morris would likely revert to a bench role. While Morris is generally good for a bucket, the Clippers will have Leonard, George, Norman Powell and Reggie Jackson under contract, among others. 

In other words, scoring shouldn't be an issue. 

And with Morris set to make $16.4 million next year and $17. 1 million in the 2023-24 campaign, he'd be an expensive bench player. Using that money to perhaps add another playmaking point guard or backup center would make sense for a Clippers team trying to finally live up to the championship aspirations that came with acquiring Leonard and George in 2019. 

Ironically, Morris himself suggested that adding another point guard might benefit the Clippers after the team failed to win either of its play-in tournament games:

Ohm Youngmisuk @NotoriousOHM

Marcus Morris says that if there is one area the team can add to help solidify a championship-contending roster, the Clippers could benefit from adding a backup point guard. He credited Terance Mann with filling in.

Andrew Greif @AndrewGreif

Marcus Morris Sr. said that backup point guard is where the team can add to make their roster stronger. Jason Preston could be that guy and is already on the roster. Curious to see LAC's confidence in him reflected in their moves. If they are, they'll shop around in other areas.

Whether Morris ends up being the player used to acquire another point guard remains to be seen. But given his salary and L.A.'s options at forward, it wouldn't be a shock.