The Phoenix Suns may trade Markieff Morris this offseason, as the forward is unhappy after the team traded his brother Marcus Morris and teams like the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards could be potential landing spots if the team makes a deal.
Morris has reportedly been unhappy with his situation in Phoenix, as the team traded his brother Marcus after the two signed extensions last year. According to John Gambadoro of 98.7 Arizona Sports, the Morris situation could get "ugly" for the Suns if things extend into training camp, as Morris reportedly has not been talking to Suns staff or players this summer. Gambadoro writes that Morris will show up to training camp if he is not traded by then, but that he will not show until he "absolutely has to."
Gambadoro adds that he could end up making a "circus of media day" and that Morris will be "standoffish" with teammates in camp. Morris clearly wants to force a deal and if he continues this way, there is a good chance the Suns will try and make it happen. Morris reportedly feels that the brothers took below market deals by negotiating together with the Suns and now that his brother Marcus has been traded, Morris wants out of Phoenix himself.
Morris has been productive for the Suns and he comes in on a contract that is not that expensive, which could make it easier to find a deal. Morris is just 25 and he is signed for four more years and $32 million on his contract. That deal is not very expensive compared to other forwards in the league and some teams could look at Morris as a bargain after putting up career high numbers last season. Morris averaged career highs of 15 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game last season and he played in all 82 games.
Gambadoro reports that Morris would prefer trades to the Houston Rockets or Toronto Raptors if he is dealt, as Morris has relationships with Kyle Lowry and James Harden. The Suns may not want to help out Morris, but Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Raptors and Rockets both are solid options for Morris. Kevin Pelton at ESPN.com writes that the Celtics also could put together a solid package, as the team has roster decisions to make and they could use Jared Sullinger, Perry Jones or Kelly Olynyk in a deal.
Pro Basketball talk writes that the Raptors and Rockets "make sense" for a deal, as the team have "solid assets" to trade if they want to make a deal and PBT writes that the teams each could use "another talented power forward." Morris is athletic and is solid on defense and as Pro Basketball Talk writes, Patrick Patterson is "fine" for the Raptors, but Morris could be an upgrade there with Luis Scola. The Rockets have Terrence Jones and he has been solid, but he is heading towards extension time and Daryl Morey could move him for Morris.
Check here for more on a potential deal with Morris for the Suns.
