Markieff Morris is suddenly becoming very popular in NBA trades after being available all summer. The power forward made it very clear in the offseason that he wanted a trade from the Phoenix Suns, but there was no interest from other teams or his own franchise in getting a deal done. Now with the season in full swing, interest is getting high in the forward as a move could be in the works sooner rather than later.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, the New Orleans Pelicans are the latest team to emerge as frontrunners for a deal of Morris. According to Wojnarowski, the Pelicans are prepared to offer Ryan Anderson in a deal for the forward in hopes that wins the Phoenix Suns over. Anderson has an expiring contract to his name and if he shows no interest in potentially re-signing, a deal could be made considering Morris still has three years and $24 million left on his contract.
The Houston Rockets are another team emerging as an option for Morris, but they are going to be picky in what they opt to give up in return. According to Ty Lawson, he has been told he is not getting traded despite the rumors surrounding his name. Lawson has been hot and cold this season and as the Rockets aim to get upgrades, many believe he is available.
"They're pretty honest here and they would come up to me and tell me that," Lawson said, via RealGM.com. "When that story came out, they came up to me and told me like there is no truth to it. I'm just playing here every day, go day by day, working hard and if things happen, things happen."
ESPN's Marc Stein reports that the Rockets could offer up Terrence Jones in the deal. In terms of players available in trades, Jones is the best available, so the Rockets might show patience before giving him up. Stein reports that several teams are interested in getting Jones which means the Rockets could really capitalize in what they get in return for the forward. Morris might not be the best option available.
With the Clippers reportedly ready to deal Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson, the trade market is beginning to slowly heat up. Capitalizing now before prices go up could be the best move for Phoenix as they are clearly done with Morris and have no interest in retaining him through his contract.
