MaMo says he wants to remain a Knick. And for the right price he probably does. But let's see what he chooses when he has comparable offers from much better teams -- such as DAL, PHI, etc. Is he really going to be enamored of a dysfunctional 23 W team without a legit PG, a rook coach, tons of erratic yute, etc.?
I don't know why he blew off his commitment to SA and came to the Knix. I assume money and close to home. This is going to be his last significant contract. Deep into his 30's. He's going to be looking for a guaranteed 4 years. At least 3. And if wants to stay close to home, there's also PHI, BKY, WAS.
Trading him before the deadline gets a return on him. Going to FA is a risk. Leaving for NADA is MaMo's decision.
Why trade Morris?
1) He's our best trade asset
2) MaMo and Randle have similar, non-complementary games
3) he might sign with a good team in FA leaving us with NADA
4) he's aging and not on our young timeline
5) he could bring back a yute and pick or something useful
6) the title is up for grabs this year so top playoff teams know one player could push them a round or two further and maybe to the title
Why Knix should keep him?
1) he's our best player
2) can decide the MaMo/Randle thing later after both are under contract. ie keep both, or trade one or the other
3) even if he walks, his cap space could be valuable
4) vet leadership
5) we're kinda awash in yute and picks and middling young guys that need development