The New York Knicks announced on Saturday that they have released forwards Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke. These roster cuts were necessary after the Knicks’ recent blockbuster trade, which saw them land four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. The move clears space as the Knicks prepare for training camp and the upcoming NBA season.
Blockbuster Trade Shakes Up Knicks Roster
On Friday night, the Knicks reportedly agreed to a massive trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves. According to The Athletic, New York secured Towns in exchange for forward Julius Randle, guard Donte DiVincenzo, forward Keita Bates-Diop, and a future first-round pick from the Detroit Pistons.
he addition of Towns marks a transformative moment for the Knicks as they aim to elevate their standing in the Eastern Conference. A versatile and elite offensive player, Towns is expected to take a central role in the Knicks’ system.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks Updates
In order to finalize this trade, the Knicks needed to free up roster spots, leading to the decision to part ways with Morris and Okeke.
Roster Moves Clear Way for New Signings
As The Athletic reported, the waiving of Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke was part of a larger plan to open up space on the roster. The Knicks are expected to send forward DaQuan Jeffries to the Charlotte Hornets in a sign-and-trade deal, as the Hornets were included as a third team in the Towns trade. Along with Jeffries, New York will send Charlotte draft compensation.
Morris, who signed with New York on an Exhibit 9 contract, was primarily seen as a training camp invitee, with the opportunity to compete for a roster spot. Last season, Morris split time between the Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, where he averaged 6.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game. With his release, sharpshooter Landry Shamet, who also signed with the Knicks, now has a stronger chance of making the final roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks Updates
Meanwhile, Chuma Okeke’s time with the Knicks has come to an end before it truly began. Signed to an Exhibit 10 deal in August, the 26-year-old forward played in 47 games with the Orlando Magic during the 2023-24 season, where he averaged 2.3 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes. Though his time in New York was brief, Okeke remains a promising player and could find another opportunity elsewhere.
With training camps beginning soon, Morris and Okeke will now re-enter free agency, looking to land new opportunities with teams in need of depth.
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