Markieff Morris wants out of Phoenix as the Suns are faced with the decision of trading the unhappy power forward or keeping him after handing the former Kansas star a four-year contract extension. Morris has made it very clear that he is unhappy with the Suns and wants out of the franchise, but Phoenix is not sold on the idea of moving him. If Morris has his way, he will not be in Arizona come opening night and the Boston Celtics could help him with that effort.
Morris told the Philadelphia Inquirer that he felt disrespected by the Suns after the traded his brother, Marcus Morris, to the Detroit Pistons and now the power forward is demanding that he be moved. Could the Celtics show interest? After a disappointing run in free agency, the franchise could aim to strike a deal with the Suns prior to the season starting.
According to ESPN's Kevin Pelton, the Celtics are a potential landing spot for Morris considering they have the assets to get a deal done with Phoenix, plus they have the salary cap space to take on the four-year, $32 million contract signed last September. Boston could put together a trade package that includes Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones and James Young, plus one of the numerous draft picks they have stored up. Team sources have made it clear this is a make-or-break season for Sullinger and the Celtics might favor Morris over their own power forward.
Morris is a talented young player who has had good health so far in the league which is something Sullinger cannot say. His numbers are good for Boston as he averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, plus he is a great player in space and could open things up for the Celtics. The Celtics already have a strong relationship with Phoenix after they traded for Isaiah Thomas and could open up negotiations once again.
The Celtics were hoping Thomas would be a valuable recruiter in free agency, but all of the team's favored deals went unnoticed. However, Boston is expecting big things from the point guard this season after such a strong summer of playing. Thomas will likely battle Marcus Smart for the starting job. The second-year point guard is dealing with an injured thumb, but is expected to return to the court in the next week or so and begin workouts. The tandem will be critical for Boston's success this season.
