The NBA Trade market is slowly starting to heat up as several marquee names begin to surface as being available. Markieff Morris might be the most popular name at the moment as the Phoenix Suns appear ready to part ways with the power forward after a dramatic offseason and slow start to the year. With several teams eyeing a deal, no one can meet the demands of the Suns to acquire Morris this season.
One name that surfaced as being interested in Morris is the New Orleans Pelicans. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Pelicans are interested in Morris and could offer Ryan Anderson in exchange for the power forward. However, that could be changing as the Pelicans are no longer willing to trade Anderson in hopes of re-signing him in the offseason. Stein is now reporting that while the Pelicans listened to offers, they do not intend to trade the forward this season. The Pelicans are hopeful that now with Anderson and Tyreke Evans healthy that can help turn the team's poor start to the season around.
Outside of Anderson, the Pelicans do not have what it takes to get Morris. The Houston Rockets have what it takes if they are willing to make the move. Stein originally reported that the Rockets like the idea of acquiring Morris in order to add another playmaker to the roster and could be willing to give up Terrence Jones or Ty Lawson in a move. CBSSports.com is reporting that while the Rockets are willing to listen to offers on Jones, they are not actively shopping Lawson at this time. Contractually speaking, Jones is not enough to get a deal done for Morris and the Rockets might be reluctant to give up much more than that.
Morris is not the only name hitting the trade rumor mill with the market opening up. Brandon Jennings has been reported as available. As the Detroit Pistons move forward with Reggie Jackson, they could be preparing to shop Jennings upon his return from injury. However, head coach Stan Van Gundy told the Detroit Free Press, all of that talk is false. SheridanHoops.com is reporting teams are interested in DeMarcus Cousins as the Sacramento Kings decline to develop on those talks. Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports is also reporting both Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith are available with the Los Angeles Clippers although deals are not expected to come about.
