KU’s NBA notebook: Marcus Morris, a fan of Paul Pierce, shipped to Celtics in Friday deal with Pistons

The Boston Celtics have acquired former University of Kansas forward Marcus Morris in a trade with the Detroit Pistons, the Celtics reported Friday in a release available at nba.com.

Morris, a 6-foot-9, 27-year-old, sixth-year pro, was shipped to the Celtics for guard Avery Bradley and a 2019 second-round draft pick.

Morris, who has two years and $10.4 million remaining on his current contract, averaged 14.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in two seasons with the Pistons. He played in 159 of 162 games.

“Nothing but love for Detroit,” Morris wrote in a text to the The Detroit News on Friday afternoon.

Pistons guard Stanley Johnson told The Detorit News he’d personally miss Morris, the twin brother of former KU forward Markieff Morris of the Washington Wizards.

“Marcus was very helpful to me in my first two years,” Johnson said. “He’s a great player and an even better teammate. I’m very happy to have Avery. I respect the hell out of him.”

Marcus Morris was drafted 14th overall by Houston in 2011. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in February of 2013. Phoenix sent him to Detroit in a trade in July 2015.

Boston.cbslocal.com reports that Morris is a big fan of former KU and former Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, who according to published reports will have his No. 34 retired in Boston perhaps as early as next season. Pierce, a Los Angeles native, played this past season, his final NBA season, with the L.A. Clippers.

“To one of my idols growing up playing this game. Always been one of my favorite players and will forever be. Real One. Thanks Truth,” Morris Tweeted in tribute to Pierce, after Pierce’s final game, as reported by Boston’s CBS affiliate website.

Morris has averaged 10.8 points (42.8 percent shooting; 35.5 on three-pointers; 71.7 from the free-throw line), 4.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 26.2 minutes over 416 career games (218 starts) with Houston, Phoenix and Detroit.

“We are excited to add a high quality player with the versatile skillset that Marcus possesses. He will be a great fit for our team,” Boston general manager Danny Ainge said Friday.

Court case ongoing

Sports Illustrated reported on Friday that both Marcus and Markieff are scheduled to go on trial Aug. 21 in Arizona to face charges for “aggravated assault—temporary disfigurement.”

SI.com says, “under Arizona law, a conviction on each of those charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 3.75 years and a presumptive sentence of 2.5 years. Since neither brother appears to have a criminal record beyond traffic offenses and, for Marcus, a misdemeanor battery citation while at Kansas, each would likely not face anywhere near the maximum sentence if convicted in Arizona. Still, they could face some time behind bars or at least a suspended sentence, probation and required community service.”

Diallo hits for 27 points

Former Kansas forward Cheick Diallo scored 27 points on 11-of-18 shooting with 10 rebounds in New Orleans’ 96-93 loss to Toronto in Las Vegas NBA summer league action on Friday.

Jackson’s Suns beat Mason’s Kings

Former Kansas guards Josh Jackson and Frank Mason competed against each other in their NBA debuts on Friday night. Jackson won bragging rights in the Phoenix Suns’ 89-85 victory over Mason’s Sacramento Kings in the Las Vegas summer league opener for both teams.

Jackson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, scored 18 points on 6-of-17 shooting (6 of 7 from line). The 6-foot-8 forward grabbed eight rebounds, with two assists and three turnovers. Jackson played 34 minutes.

Point guard Mason, the No. 4 pick in the second round of the draft, scored four points on 2-of-9 shooting with four rebounds, two assists and two turnovers in 17 minutes.

This story was originally published July 7, 2017 at 8:13 PM with the headline "KU’s NBA notebook: Marcus Morris, a fan of Paul Pierce, shipped to Celtics in Friday deal with Pistons."