Ex-Celtic Marcus Morris opens up about free agency decision

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Free agency didn't come without controversy for Marcus Morris.

The former Celtics forward agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract with the Spurs on July 7, but backed out of that deal to sign a one-year, $15 million contract with the Knicks instead. San Antonio reportedly was "pissed" about the change of heart, and Morris fired his agent Rich Paul shortly thereafter.

In an interview with The Athletic, Morris opened up about his tumultuous offseason and awkward situation with the Spurs.

“I have a good relationship with those guys and I have so much respect for [head coach] Pop [Gregg Popovich], [general manager] RC [Buford] and [assistant GM] Brian Wright,” Morris told The Athletic. “The first thing that I did when I knew I would be going another direction, I called and made sure they knew. There was no shade. There’s no disrespect. I had great conversations afterward, and as long as I feel that I’m clear with them and gave them my truth, I feel good about moving forward.

“I was under the impression that I didn’t have anything left. I thought at the time that the Spurs deal was all that I had. The process wasn’t what I expected and it didn’t go the right way.”

It appears there was no ill will on Morris' end, but it's understandable for there still to be some sour grapes on the Spurs' side.

Before choosing New York over San Antonio and firing his agent, Morris also turned down a more lucrative offer with the Clippers. L.A. reportedly offered Morris a three-year $41 million deal at the start of free agency, but he opted to "make the best decision for him and his family."

Morris will hope for a smoother free agency process when he hits the market again next summer.

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