The Boston Celtics may be interested in trading for Detroit Pistons forward Markieff Morris, reports The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.
Twin brother of former Celtic Marcus Morris Sr., the swingman is a solid defender able to cover beefier bigs for short stints and knock down outside shots at a 39.3 % rate.
Perhaps most interesting is that he’s been doing it for just $3.2 million this season with a player option for just $160,000 more in 2020-21.
With the 3pm Feb. 6 trade deadline less than 24 hours distant, Boston is far from the only team trying to secure his services — O’Connor reports the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Lakers have all expressed interest in the Philadelphia native.
Marcus Morris and the Knicks have everyone's attention, but the Pistons have also received calls from multiple contenders for his brother, Markieff Morris.
The Lakers, Clippers, Bucks, Sixers, and Celtics are among those teams interested in Markieff Morris, per league sources.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 5, 2020
While Morris’ contract may be small, such an arms race for his services could potentially see a first-round pick change hands to secure such a deal.
The Celtics have as many as three incoming firsts for the 2020 NBA Draft and not enough open roster spots available for them, so the deal might make sense when considering they may need to use draft assets to clear space anyhow.
Whatever the ask, Boston is well-positioned to make a move to fortify bench shooting with a veteran player. That move may not end up being Morris — or anyone at all — but we’re less than a day away from finding out.
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