Sixers’ Marcus Morris Sr. talks handling trade rumors as deadline approaches
ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s about that time in the NBA. Now’s the time when teams will begin to assess their trade pieces and begin to formulate plans for the rapidly approaching Feb. 8 trade deadline.
The Philadelphia 76ers are no different. Led by President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, the Sixers are armed with valuable assets after the big James Harden trade, and Morey has never been shy to pull the trigger on a deal that he believes will help his team be in a better position to contend.
One of those pieces that the Sixers can move is Marcus Morris Sr. A productive veteran, and Philadelphia native, his name has popped up and will continue to pop up in trade rumors leading up to the deadline. When considering the longevity he’s had in the league, this is nothing new to him. He understands the business.
“Like I said from day one that I got here, I alluded to it,” Morris Sr. told Sixers Wire. “If something happens and I get traded, I’ll be—you know what I’m saying? It is what it is. I’m just happy to have the opportunity to say I played at home. It’s the NBA. I try to keep myself ready for whatever team I go to. I’m not saying I’m gonna get traded, but you just prepare. Stay ready mentally, physically, and go how you go.”
After a slow start with the Sixers after the trade, Morris Sr. is shooting 50% from deep in 21 games with four starts and averaging 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds. He is a tough player who can produce anywhere he’s at. He has shown that over the course of his career.
It’s why he doesn’t pay attention to any trade rumors. He isn’t going to shut his phone off or turn off any of the necessary notifications. The focus will continue to be on what he has to do on the floor to help the Sixers win.
“Nah. I just live my regular life,” Morris Sr. added. “I got three boys. I got a lot of (expletive) to worry about. I can’t worry about—I’m making $17 million. I can’t worry about somebody wanting to trade me or do what they wanna do. Regardless, I’m gonna be productive wherever I go. If it’s here or somewhere else, that’s just who I am. At the end of the day, I don’t even know what it would come up on. I’m not even sure what notifications I would get so at any point, I’m ready.”
Morris Sr. knows he’s in a great situation. He is playing at home, he’s producing, and so whatever happens is going to come and he just now has to play his part as a veteran.
“Always. It’s a blessing to play at home for sure,” he finished. “I know things change and I know it’s a business so if anything happens, I’ll just go how I go.”
