The Houston Rockets could look at a Markieff Morris trade with the Phoenix Suns this offseason, as Morris wants out after his brother was traded and this comes as teams like the Raptors and Celtics also could be fits, while the Rockets have signed Jason Terry to a free agent contract after the New Orleans Pelicans showed interest.
The Rockets and Terry were reportedly close to a deal earlier in the offseason, but that did not happen and the Pelicans started to show interest. Terry reportedly was deciding between the two and now RealGM reports that Terry is signing back with the Rockets. The contract is for a one year deal and Terry now joins Ty Lawson and Patrick Beverley on the roster. Beverley signed a free agent deal this summer and Lawson came over in a trade from the Nuggets.
Terry was very solid for the Rockets last season, playing 77 games and averaging 7.0 points and 1.9 assists per game in 21 minutes per contest. The Rockets have already added Ty Lawson in a trade this summer and Morris reportedly prefers a deal to Houston or the Toronto Raptors. Morris reportedly is upset with the Suns after the team traded his brother and John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports reports that Morris "isn't' talking" to Suns staff or players. Morris made comments to Philly.com that made it clear he wants out of Phoenix.
Gambadoro reports that Morris has relationships with James Harden and Kyle Lowry and that is why he would prefer moving to the Rockets or Raptors if he had a preference. Kevin Pelton at ESPN writes that the Celtics could give a look at Morris, as the team has draft picks and players like Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner and Perry Jones as trade options. Morris is on a fairly affordable contract with four years and $32 million left on his deal after signing a new contract last year.
Morris has increased his scoring, assists and rebounds per game in each of the last four seasons, including last year when he put up career high across the board. Morris averaged 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while playing 31 minutes per contest. Adding to all of the trade talk with Morris is the fact that Markieff and his brother Marcus are also dealing with an off the court issue regarding alleged assault charges.
The Terry move now opens up the Pelicans to sign back Norris Cole, as he is on the market and is a restricted free agent. The Rockets now have some major depth at point guard and that was an area of concern last season while dealing with injuries.