Rumored Hornets free agency target signs with East contender

With a couple of weeks before training camp and several more before teams have to finalize their roster for NBA Opening Day, there has been a slew of news on roster additions around the league.

The Charlotte Hornets made their move by adding four young free agents to bring to training camp. It remains to be seen if any of them will stay in the long run, although it's highly likely the front office will decide to keep the final roster spot open.

On the other hand, most contenders have opted to sign players who can possibly contribute immediately because player development isn't exactly their priority.

Marcus Morris signs with the New York Knicks

For instance, the New York Knicks inked a training camp deal with veterans Marcus Morris Sr. and Landry Shamet. The pair and Chuma Okeke will fight for the Knicks' last roster spot.

Interestingly, Morris Sr. was previously linked to the Hornets, but nothing concrete came out of those rumors.

The report didn't make sense at the time. The squad already has several rotation pieces who play the same position as the former lottery pick, including Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, and Tidjane Salaun. Moreover, the idea of adding the 35-year-old to be the locker room leader might not be too enticing, as Taj Gibson can already fill that role.

As it turned out, Morris Sr. decided to go to New York, which is more equipped to contend for a top seed in the Eastern Conference after trading for Mikal Bridges earlier this summer. The forward had previously played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and LA Clippers. So, it's clear that he prefers to continue trying to chase a ring.

The Hornets probably dodged a bullet because keeping Morris Sr. happy would have been a difficult task.

Maybe if the team were ahead of schedule, signing or trading for a similarly high-value vet would be on its to-do list. However, Charlotte is still a year or two away before it starts looking like a contender and being among the organizations that covet veterans to round out the roster during the offseason.

Of course, the Hornets can surprise folks this season by becoming a fringe contender. That actually doesn't seem too far-fetched, especially considering that they have a promising lineup led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miler and a determined coaching staff helmed by Charles Lee, who has won two championships as an assistant coach.