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New Celtics Big Man Marcus Morris Faces Possible NBA Suspension & Jailtime

Avery Bradley to the Detroit Pistons in exchange for Marcus Morris – A trade many people thought of being one-sided.

Both, Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley have expiring contracts, and with the max contracts of Al Horford and Gordon Hayward, they couldn’t resign both Bradley and Thomas (assuming both want max contracts). So this trade was more of a ‘who of the two guards are we going to keep’ decision. The Cetlics thought it was better to trade Bradley now, and get something in return, as well as clear cap space for Hayward instead of just letting Bradley walk.

I think the Celtics could have gotten more in return. Bradley is one of the best defenders in the league. Because of him, Isaiah Thomas was able to have a career year. Without Bradley, Thomas will be even more of a defensive liability than he already was. But enough about the trade. Boston’s acquisition, Marcus Morris, may not even be able to play for his new team.

Morris has a pending criminal law matter that could lead to an NBA suspension, or even a prison sentence. Marcus and his twin brother Markieff, are scheduled to go to trial on August 21 in Arizona, to face felony charges for aggravated assault. If they’re convicted, the charges would carry a maximum prison sentence of almost 4 years. While it isn’t very likely that they would face the maximum sentence, some jailtime doesn’t seem too unrealistic. As of now, a suspended sentence, probation and required community service, seems as the most realistic option.

But why the charges? In 2015, the Morris twins (together with 3 friends) assaulted Erik Hood, who then was hospitalized with a broken nose and other facial injuries.

Hood, who claims that he has known the brothers for years, may have been attackted due to an inappropriate text to Morris’ mother.

But even with no jailtime, Morris could be suspended by the NBA. The NBA’s collective bargaining agreement states:

“When a player is convicted, pleads guilty or pleads no contest to a violent felony, he shall immediately be suspended by the NBA for a minimum of ten (10) games.”

We will have to wait until August 21, but after that day, the Boston Celtics may have lost this trade in a very big way.