Breaking News: Former Celtics Forward’s Free Agency Path Takes an Unforeseen Shift.

Although the trade has not been officially finalized, the Knicks made a significant move on Friday night to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that this was a deal New York had been “quietly working on for months.”

In a related move, the Celtics’ division rival waived Marcus Morris Sr. and Chuma Okeke, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.

James Edwards III from The Athletic later shared that the Knicks extended a contract offer to Morris after releasing him, but he declined and will seek opportunities elsewhere.

Morris, a 13-year veteran, played for the Celtics during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, starting in 74 games and averaging 13.8 points and 5.8 rebounds during that time.

Last season, he played for both the 76ers and the Cavaliers. In the playoffs with Cleveland, which ended with a second-round exit against the Celtics, Morris averaged 6.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 39.1 percent from three-point range in 15.3 minutes across nine games, including one start.