The Phoenix Suns may trade Markieff Morris this year after reports came out that the forward is unhappy with the team and some landing spots include the Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors for the Suns if they make a deal following the trade of Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons.
Morris is coming off of the best season in his career and reports have him disgruntled in Phoenix, as he had hoped to play long term with his twin brother Marcus. Marcus was traded this offseason to the Pistons and it came after the two negotiated new deals together last year and signed extensions. According to John Gambadoro of 98.7 Arizona Sports, the Morris situation could "get ugly" for the Suns if it extends into camp, as Morris is "expected to make a circus of media day."
Morris reportedly has not been talking to Suns players or staff members this summer and that is another sign of discontent from the forward. Morris obviously is taking it personally that his brother was moved and he also may be upset because he may think that his brother and himself took slight discounts by negotiating to stay together last year. Gambadoro writes that Morris would "prefer" deals to either the Rockets or the Raptors, as Morris has relationships with Kyle Lowry and James Harden.
Morris made some quotes to Philly.com about his situation and basically said that he will show up to training camp if he has to, but that he expects to be out of Phoenix. Gambadoro ran down the situation and added that sources have said that Morris is saying he will "never be happy again" in Phoenix and that he will be "standoffish" with the team when camp starts. Gambadoro adds that Morris wants the team to know "he's not motivated."
While all of that may not add up to a trade for Morris, he is doing all he can to show how he feels right now rote the team. Pro Basketball Talk reports that the Raptors and Rockets are actually decent landing spots for Morris if a deal goes down. PBT writes that the teams "make sense on a number of levels" for a Morris deal, as they each have players they can move with tradable contracts and they also "both use another talented power forward."
Kevin Pelton at ESPN reports that the Celtics also could push in a good package for Morris, as the team is going to have to make some roster moves anyway. The team added Perry Jones and they have Jared Sullinger, Evan Turner and Kelly Olynyk as potential options. Morris is a young forward with potential and he is not signed to an expensive deal with $32 million coming over the next four years. The Raptors would likely have to move Patrick Patterson to get a deal done, while Terrence Jones could be the target with Houston if a deal goes down.
Check here for more on Morris and his trade options for the Suns.
