Sports

Knicks’ quest to trade Marcus Morris has Lakers, Clippers complications

Marcus Morris could wind up in Los Angeles, but with which team is uncertain.

The Knicks did not allow Morris to talk to the media after Wednesday’s practice. That was as sure a sign as any that the chances of him being traded by Thursday’s 3 p.m. deadline are decent.

According to an NBA source, Knicks interim president Scott Perry has several proposed offers on the table — with the Lakers and Clippers waging their own intercity battle to nab the veteran two-way forward.

The Knicks feel they are also in the hunt for point guard D’Angelo Russell and his $117 million contract, but refuse to give up their 2020 lottery pick, according to sources, and seem far away from Golden State’s high demands.

The Post reported the Knicks like the Clippers’ young sharpshooter Landry Shamet, but the Los Angeles Times reported that is a holdup. The Clippers are trying to keep the 22-year-old Shamet (a 39.5 percent 3-point shooter) out of a deal that would have to include Moe Harkless to make the math work. The Clippers have long lusted after Morris and tried to sign him as a free agent in July.





At the same time, the Knicks are hoping to make a deal with the Lakers that would net them young forward Kyle Kuzma, 24, who has not fit in well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis after a solid first two seasons in LA.

However, Kuzma is making $2 million this season and the Lakers need to add another pact to any package. The LA Times reported it would be Danny Green, but the Knicks would ideally want a third team to then take Green’s two-year contract. The Post has reported NBA executives said any Morris deal likely would require three teams because of Morris’ $15 million pact.

The Knicks could still keep Morris if the package isn’t strong enough and look to re-sign him in July. But that would be up to a future team president. Former Knicks president Steve Mills, fired Tuesday, was leaning toward re-signing Morris.





With Perry doing the bidding, the Knicks are more apt to deal him, but aren’t desperate to do so.

Morris and Julius Randle have started to make a decent scoring forward tandem in recent weeks. The Knicks are 4-5 in their past nine contests and Morris continues to supply clutch, game-deciding baskets to go along with his career-high 3-point shooting (43.9 percent).

“I would love for him to stay, obviously,’’ Randle said. “I don’t make those decisions. He’s had a great year. I’m sure whatever happens, he’ll be fine, he’ll be happy.”

Interim coach Mike Miller also is hoping Morris sticks.

“Marcus is having — in a lot of ways — a career year,’’ Miller said. “I’ve enjoyed coaching Marcus every day. He’s been unbelievable in the locker room. His voice has been such a benefit for our young guys.”





The Knicks would also like to move second-year man Allonzo Trier to give him a chance elsewhere as he was caught in a shooting-guard logjam after his impressive rookie year.

The Knicks have four point guards — Elfrid Payton, coming off a triple-double, Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith Jr. and Kadeem Allen. But none of the four has emerged as a definitive starter. Hence, Russell, a 2019 All-Star, is attractive to the Knicks.

“I’m not worried at all,’’ said Payton, who was traded two years ago at the deadline from Orlando to Phoenix. “If something happens, it happens. I can’t control that.’’

Perry drafted Payton in Orlando and lobbied to sign him last July 1. Payton is essentially an expiring contract, though he has $1 million guaranteed for next season. (Taj Gibson, Reggie Bullock and Wayne Ellington are also on the books for $1 million next season.)





“I feel like Scott’s a good leader, man,’’ Payton said. “Somebody I trust with my career. He drafted me. I know it’s been a tough year but I still have full trust in Scott. I think he has a vision. Win, lose or draw, I’m with Scott.”

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