NEW YORK — In a strategic move to bolster their depth and veteran presence, the Knicks have signed 35-year-old forward Marcus Morris Sr. to an Exhibit 9 contract, the team announced Monday.

The Exhibit 9 contract, identical to the one used to sign free-agent guard Landry Shamet, protects the Knicks from significant financial obligations in the event of a training camp injury, while offering a battle-tested veteran a chance to contribute to a roster with championship aspirations.

Morris, a 6-foot-8 forward, brings a wealth of experience, toughness and offensive firepower to the Knicks. Known for his ability to stretch the floor and score in the mid-range off the dribble, Morris has shot 40% or better from 3-point range in three of his last five seasons, including a career-high 43.9% from deep during his standout stint with the Knicks in the 2019-20 season under David Fizdale and Mike Miller, when he averaged a career-best 19.6 points per game before being traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ahead of his return to Madison Square Garden where he briefly flourished, Morris posted a photo of himself in a Knicks jersey from his 2019-20 season on Instagram with the caption: “[Back] like I never left.”

His return brings more than nostalgia — it fills a need for a versatile forward who can contribute immediately, especially with his experience and toughness.

Over his 13-year NBA career, Morris has developed a reputation as an enforcer, having made stops in Houston, Phoenix, Detroit, Boston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Cleveland, and New York. His toughness and leadership will be key on a Knicks roster built around a defensive identity but one that also leans heavily on shooting and ball movement in Tom Thibodeau’s drive-and-kick system.

Last season, Morris shot 40% from 3-point range in limited time with the 76ers and Cavaliers, showing he can still be an effective shooter. On a Knicks team that had injury struggles throughout last season, his ability to score in isolation, even if at a reduced clip, could provide crucial relief when needed.

Knicks’ offseason sets stage for championship contention

Morris’ signing caps an aggressive and calculated offseason by a Knicks front office with championship aspirations.

Coming off the franchise’s first 50-win season in a decade and back-to-back second-round playoff appearances, the Knicks are now aiming to solidify their status as legitimate contenders in the East.

The front office, led by Leon Rose, made a blockbuster trade for Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets, sending out Bojan Bogdanovic, five first-round picks and Shake Milton in a sign-and-trade deal.

Bridges, a two-way force, completes the Villanova Knicks connection, joining Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart — all teammates from the Wildcats’ 2016 national championship team.

In addition to the Bridges acquisition, the Knicks secured their future by re-signing OG Anunoby to the largest contract in franchise history — five years, $212.5 million — and locked Brunson into a highly team-friendly four-year, $156.5 million extension.

However, the Knicks faced some challenges in free agency, losing starting center Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder. As a stopgap, they re-signed Precious Achiuwa on a one-year deal, positioning him as a potential trade asset for a mid-season upgrade.

The Knicks also added young talent in the draft, selecting Pacome Dadiet (France) in the first round, Tyler Kolek (Marquette) four picks into the second, Kevin McCullar Jr. (Kentucky) in the middle of the second round and Ariel Hukporti from Germany-Togo with the final pick in the draft.

Depth signings of veteran point guard Cameron Payne, along with sharpshooter Shamet, add to an already stacked roster, and the Knicks also acquired forward Keita Bates-Diop as part of the Bridges deal with the Nets.

Zooming out

The Morris signing highlights a Knicks team committed to veteran leadership, playoff experience and the flexibility to withstand the grind of a championship run. Morris brings toughness and shooting to a team that now boasts a vaunted combination of perimeter defenders, shot creators, and efficient scorers.

His veteran presence, combined with new acquisitions and a fully healthy roster, positions the Knicks as serious contenders in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

©2024 New York Daily News. Visit nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.