Home

NBA

“I’m Gonna Be a Professional”: 34YO Clippers Vet Takes Inadvertent Dig at James Harden, Amid Uncertain NBA Future

Published 10/06/2023, 1:50 PM EDT

Follow Us

USA Today via Reuters

The LA Clippers forward’s summer has been everything but routine. He was the focus of trade discussions involving the Boston Celtics and the Washington Wizards, only for the transaction to fall through. As a result, he remained a hot topic in trade talks, most notably in connection with a prospective deal for James Harden with the Philadelphia 76ers.

However, as the Clippers’ training camp began, the 6’8 forward embraced a new perspective by taking a dig at his teammate, James Harden.

34YO Clippers veteran takes a subliminal shot at Harden

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Trade negotiations are a common occurrence in the NBA, and veterans like Marcus Morris Sr. understand this better than most. When questioned about his name being mentioned constantly in trade speculations, Morris responded calmly. He said, “It’s part of the game. It’s part of being a veteran. You go with the flow, if it happens it happens, if it don’t, it don’t. I’m still a Clipper. I’m a Clipper until I’m not, I’m here to help the team in any capacity.” 

Marcus Morris Sr. is committed to the Clippers despite the flurry of rumors and intrigue surrounding his position. His statements convey a feeling of professionalism and want to contribute to the team’s success. “Yeah, I’m here,” Morris said emphatically. I’m gonna be a professional. I’m here, I’m gonna do my job. Whatever they need me to do, I’m gonna do.” When he said he was going to be professional, it seemed like he taking a dig at James Harden for his recent actions.

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

James Harden has publically spoken about how he does not want to play for the Clippers anymore. And he has even gone so far as to bad mouth the President of basketball operations for the 76ers Daryl Morrey publically by calling him ‘a liar.’ This behavior displayed by Harden is not considered professional and is just causing a big ruckus in front of the media and the fans. But as for Morris, he did not go to such an extent and proved his loyalty toward his team.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What were the trade rumors surrounding Morris?

Morris was on the brink of a trade to the Boston Celtics this summer. This would have brought Malcolm Brogdon to Los Angeles and Kristaps Porzingis to Boston. This transaction, however, fell through just before Porzingis’ deadline to opt out of the last year of his contract, leaving Morris in Clippers’ colors. Throughout the summer, the Clippers held trade talks with major players including Chris Paul, Jrue Holiday, and James Harden. They frequently referenced Marcus Morris in these meetings, expressing his discontent with the outcome of the previous season.

USA Today via Reuters

Despite persistent trade speculations and social media attention, he stays committed to the Clippers’ pursuit of an NBA title. Morris’ professionalism and eagerness to accept his role are great attributes that speak well for the Clippers and their championship dreams. As the season approaches, the mystery surrounding Morris’ fate in the NBA continues to captivate fans and analysts.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch this Story: Clippers’ Marcus Morris After Beating Joel Embiid’s 76ers and Anthony Davis’ Lakers: “Both of Them Teams Is Pretty Average”

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Dhruv Shastry

720Articles

One take at a time

Dhruv is an NBA writer at ES with years of playing experience to name. Despite the ankle injury barring him from playing further, he never lost touch with the sport. He loves the swag and the attitude basketball players possess.
Show More>

Edited by:

Saumya Khanduja