The Phoenix Suns may look at a Markieff Morris trade this year after the forward made some noise about not wanting to be with the team moving forward and teams like the LA Lakers, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers could be potential landing spots for a deal.
Morris has reportedly been upset after the team traded his twin brother Marcus Morris and now he is looking to get out of Phoenix. John Gambadoro of 98.7 Arizona Sports, Morris is unhappy in Phoenix and he would like a deal to another team over spending the rest of his contract with the Suns. Morris took to his Twitter account to show his displeasure, writing that his "future will not be in Phoenix." While that may not get the Suns to trade him, Morris clearly is showing his frustrations with his situation.
Gambadoro writes that the situation could get "ugly" for Phoenix if it extends into training camp, as Morris could make a "circus" of things on media day. Gambadoro added that Morris has not been speaking with teammates or Suns staff this summer. Morris reportedly would prefer a trade to the Raptors or the Rockets, as he has relationships with James Harden and Kyle Lowry. Gambadoro writes that Morris could be "standoffish" when he reports to camp and that a trade could be the best result for the sides.
Morris is a talented player and the Suns will not just give him up for nothing if they even end up making a trade at all. Pro Basketball Talk writes that while a deal is not certain, teams like the Raptors and the rockets "make sense on a number of levels." The website reports that both teams have "several solid assets" to put into a deal, while they "also both could use another talented power forward." Morris would be an upgrade over both Patrick Patterson and Terrence Jones if the teams were looking to make a deal, but right now reports have no trade close to happening.
Morris reportedly was also upset because he felt that him and his brother gave the Suns a discount when they signed deals together at $52 million. The brothers negotiated together and now Morris is on a fairly affordable deal at four years and $32 million. Morris could be worth a look for the Raptors, Rockets, Miami Heat, Lakers, Celtics or Sixers, as those teams have players they could move. Kevin Pelton at ESPN writes that the Raptors and the Celtics could put together the best packages for Morris.
Last season Morris had his best year stats wise, averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while playing in all 82 games for the Suns. Morris is hoping a deal happens and it comes after his brother was traded to the Detroit Pistons.
