The Clippers will try to re-sign Montrezl Harrell and Marcus Morris, who are both headed toward free agency this summer, sources tell Jovan Buha of The Athletic.
Harrell, 26, is in his third season in L.A. and has become one of the league’s best backup big men. A report from The Athletic earlier this season estimated he would receive offers between $20M and $25M annually, but Buha believes that number has declined because of Harrell’s deficiencies as a rebounder and rim protector and a market where only seven teams will have cap room available.
Morris, 30, was acquired from the Knicks at the deadline to add frontline depth and a veteran presence. The Clippers will have his non-Bird rights and can offer him up to $18M, a 20% increase over his current $15M salary.
Buha notes that the playoffs will factor into the decisions on both players, but L.A. appears to be in good position to keep them. The Clippers were able to stay under the tax line this season, which will delay the implementation of a repeater tax as the franchise heads into what should be a string of taxpayer years. He also states that a weak free agent market limits the options for replacing Harrell and Morris if they leave.
