Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) dribbles the basketball defended by Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50, back) during the third quarter at US Airways Center.
Advertisement
Now sources tell radio host John Gambadoro that Markieff wants to be traded since his brother isn’t with the Suns anymore.
Though it would make sense for Markieff to land with Marcus Morris in Detroit with the Pistons, that may not be a viable option.
According to BasketballInsiders.com, Markieff has four years and $32 million remaining on his contract. Sure, playing with your brother is fun and all, but at the end of the day, this is a business, and it is Markieff Morris’ job to play basketball. When Marcus was traded Markieff was very unhappy and said that he also wanted to be traded but now it is being reported that he won’t even talk to the organization or his teammates, according to ArizonaSports.com. There is also the reason for his reported disgruntlement: the trade of his twin brother Marcus to the Detroit Pistons while Phoenix was attempting to clear cap space to get in on the LaMarcus Aldridge free agency derby. They negotiated with Phoenix together and say they gave the Suns a good deal in return for playing on the same team.
The Morris twins then became headaches on and off the court, both being top five in technical fouls last season, and both now undergoing trial for a felony assault case. Markieff Morris blaming the lack of fan support as to why the Suns lost by 27 points at home, and now showcasing immaturity at the highest level between Marcus’ tweets and Markieff refusing to communicate with the Suns.
The Lakers need talent, but Morris is not the right fit at this time. He is talented. He had a career-year across the board last season, averaging 15 points and six rebounds on almost 47 percent shooting from the field. The first issue is that Morris is one of the Suns best players, along with Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight. He is on an incredible contract ($8 million per year over the next four years).
The Phoenix Suns have been really close to making the playoffs (in the Western Conference) in each of the last couple of seasons.
If Markieff Morris is dealt, that would leave a whopping ONE player who was on the team two seasons ago and would still be on the team.
Some organizations avoid “troubled” players, but Memphis embraces some of these types and brings them in to the secure locker room.
Toronto needs an upgrade at power forward after losing Amir Johnson, and might be willing to send current penciled-in starter Patrick Patterson to Phoenix for Morris.
Advertisement
Phoenix could try to pry Jared Sullinger from Boston along another asset they might trade to someone else, like Evan Turner.
