The Phoenix Suns have traded Markieff Morris to the Washington Wizards for a protected 2016 first-round draft pick, reported Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro.
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Considering the Wizards’ positioning in the Eastern Conference, that pick is nearly surely going to transfer to the Suns this season. They traded his twin, Marcus Morris, to the Pistons in a salary-dump this offseason. Earlier this season, Morris was suspended for throwing a towel at former coach Jeff Hornacek in an incident widely played nationally. Morris may not be inserted into the starting lineup over Jared Dudley at power forward, but considering the Wizards gave up a first-round pick for his services, he figures to be a key piece as the team pushes toward a postseason berth.
Morris is averaging 11.6 points per game and 5.2 rebounds per game, while playing 24.8 minutes per game this season.
Morris essentially demanded a trade over the summer and was fined for doing so. He becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2019. On paper, this is a bargain deal, but considering his on and off the court struggles it’s an uneasy leap to justify taking a flier on someone that hasn’t had his head on straight in two years.
Washington is only three games out of the playoff bracket in the East, in a season that badly needs to see the Wizards make the playoff as they make their Big Durant Pitch.
After being disgruntled in Phoenix since his brother was traded to Detroit, Markieff Morris is finally on the move himself.
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So, clearly, there are caveats.
