If Markieff Morris has his way, he will not be playing for the Phoenix Suns during the 2015-16 season. The power forward has been on the rise since getting a contract extension with the Suns last season, but after the franchise opted to trade his brother to the Detroit Pistons, Morris has been upset with the franchise and making it very clear that he wants a trade and quickly. Will a team bite on a deal?
Morris is entering the second year of a four-year contract signed last year. Set to earn $8 million, Morris is hoping that check comes from another team and not Phoenix.
"One thing for sure, I am not going to be there," Markieff Morris said, via the Philadelphia Inquirer. "If you want to put that out there, you can put that out. I don't give a [freak]. I am not going to be there at all. That's just what it is. I've got to show up. No question. You can't do that. I will be a professional. Don't get me wrong. But it won't get that far. ... I'm going to be out before then. Should be."
Morris is a heavy cap hit simply because he still has three years left on his contract, but there could be some interest in the young power forward. According to Eric Pincus of the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers could be a solid option for Morris. The team did load up on size in the offseason after getting players like Brandon Bass and Lou Williams in free agency. However, thre is doubt surrounding Julius Randle and Nick Young could still be on the way out. That would make room for Morris. The team could easily offer a package of Young and Ryan Kelly that would fit the financial requirements.
Ira Winderman of the Miami Sun-Sentinel believes the Miami Heat could become players for Morris if it means they can dump Mario Chalmers or Chris Andersen. That would give the Heat three ex-Suns players on the roster. The issue is giving Phoenix a player that would fit their salary cap space considering the team is already over the line. However, the Heat would love to Morris on the bench in exchange for someone like Andersen since he is younger.
Phoenix has yet to address the Morris situation. According to the team's general manager the two sides have not spoken. The power forward told the media that he will show up if he has to, but Morris is not hiding the fact that he wants out and fast.