The Los Angeles Lakers are still eyeing the free agent market as players like Nick Young and Ryan Kelly remain on the trade block for the taking. With little interest in either player, there could be a developing deal in the coming days after Markieff Morris made it clear he wants out of the Phoenix Suns. The power forward has publically demanded a trade from the franchise and the Lakers could be a landing spot.
Morris told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he was unhappy when his brother was traded to the Detroit Pistons and now he wants out of the franchise as well. The Suns signed Morris to a four-year contract last September as the power forward has continued to get better with each season of play. They have yet to make a statement on the recent comments from Morris, but the pressure for a trade could cause the Suns to make a move.
--UPDATE: JaVale McGee has signed with the Mavericks.
According to the Los Angeles Times and Kevin Pelton of ESPN, the Lakers could show interest in Morris if Phoenix opts to make a move. With some doubt regarding players like Julius Randle, getting in someone like Morris could be a solid move for the Lakers. It would prevent the team from having to switch Kobe Bryant into the role while also giving the franchise another young player to develop for the future.
The Lakes have a trade package that could please Phoenix. The team could easily offer Young and someone like Kelly or Robert Sacre in order to even out the salary requirements. Phoenix is already dealing with cap issues after being spenders in the offseason. It is what caused the team to move certain players to begin with. That could be the deciding factor in a trade for Morris.
Los Angeles loaded up on size in the offseason with players like Brandon Bass and Roy Hibbert coming in, but Morris would be a solid option to run with Julius Randle. The Lakers have been eyeing certain big men still on the market. The team has been linked to everyone from JaVale McGee to Chris Andersen of the Miami Heat. They are looking to beef up their bench and any of those players would certainly do the trick. It just remains to be seen if the Lakers are willing to give up a lot from someone like Morris or Andersen.
