LOS ANGELES _ Last summer, the Clippers came up empty in their attempt to sign Marcus Morris in free agency.
Seven months later, they got the veteran forward they so prized.
The New York Knicks traded the 30-year-old Morris, who is averaging 19 points per game and shooting 44% from 3-point range, to the Clippers as part of a three-team trade with the Washington Wizards ahead of Thursday's noon PST deadline, according to several people not authorized to speak publicly about the matter.
The Clippers are sending forward Maurice Harkless and a 2020 first-round draft pick to the Knicks. Second-year guard Jerome Robinson will be traded to Washington, and in return the Clippers will acquire Wizards guard Isaiah Thomas.
The deal underscored the Clippers' intention of going all-in to maximize their championship odds this season, since Morris will be a free agent this summer, and was considered a victory for Los Angeles in two senses.
Not only did the Clippers receive the 6-foot-8 Morris, who was prized for his size, defensive versatility and shooting, but they also stared down the Knicks during negotiations and kept a highly valued young player because of it.
Earlier this week the Knicks made clear they wanted second-year guard Landry Shamet as part of the deal, according to several people with knowledge of the discussions. But, hours after Shamet made six 3-pointers and scored 23 points Wednesday night in a victory over Miami, the Clippers held firm that Shamet would not be made available. Clippers rookies Terance Mann and Mfiondu Kabengele also were part of the discussions early Thursday but ultimately were not included.
The deal was aided by the Clippers' nimble maneuvering last summer. By helping Miami and Philadelphia facilitate a trade for guard Jimmy Butler as the third team in the deal last July, the Clippers added Harkless and received a first-round draft pick without giving up anything. That pick was moved within days as part of the Clippers' offer to land Paul George from Oklahoma City, but it allowed the team's own 2020 first-round pick to remain available to use in the future. That possibility became reality Thursday.
Morris is expected to assume Harkless' role in the starting lineup. Both are versatile on the defensive end, with the 6-7 Harkless often called upon to guard opposing point guards. Yet Morris adds more scoring punch alongside stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Harkless, a New York native, averaged 5.5 points and 4.0 rebounds for the Clippers.
Before the trades, the Clippers were the only NBA team with four players averaging at least 19 points. Following the addition of Morris, they now have five.
Less than three hours before the deadline, the Clippers made their first move by sending cash and reserve guard Derrick Walton Jr. to Atlanta in exchange for a protected second-round pick, according to a person not authorized to speak publicly about the matter. The trade opened a roster spot for the Clippers, and one spot remains open following the team's whirlwind activity.
The Washington-bound Robinson was selected by the Clippers with the 13th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. A foot injury and a deep Clippers backcourt limited him to 33 games as a rookie. He averaged 2.9 points in 11.3 minutes per game this season.
