Markieff Morris Wants Out of Phoenix

But after a rather tumultuous campaign that saw several key players traded, the Suns traded Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons as Phoenix tried to make a run at LaMarcus Aldridge. This news surprises very few people as the Morris twins were known as “inseparable” around the league.

Marcus Morris was traded about a month ago for basically nothing as it was somewhat of a salary dump for Phoenix. “Phoenix knew. For them to trade me without consent or telling or anything like that was kind of like a, I would say slap in the face, because of the contract I took from those guys and the money I took from them”. According to a report, Markieff Morris wants nothing to do with the organization that recently traded away his twin brother Marcus Morris, and if Keef is really that upset over the whole ordeal, it could only be a matter of time before he’s dealt. Bottom line is, now he wants out. “He has a golden opportunity to be a starter in Phoenix and help a team that should be in the mix for a playoff spot this season”.

According to BasketballInsiders.com, Markieff has four years and $32 million remaining on his contract. And now they are here.

Morris’ three-point percentage is a bit low, but he’d get plenty of open looks playing with Gasol or Brandon Wright, and could rapidly improve. Sure, playing with your brother is fun and all, but at the end of the day, this is a business, and it is Markieff Morris’ job to play basketball. Why would a team want to give up anything valuable for somebody who seems to only be able to function with his brother? In addition to the behavioral problems listed above, Morris has been whistled for 27 technical fouls the last two years, including 15 last season. Marcus engaging in a shouting match with head coach Jeff Hornacek last season. He also lashed out at Suns fans for a lack of support following a blowout home loss to the Spurs in March.

Nonetheless, talent wins basketball games, and Markieff Morris has that. Faried’s being paid about $3 million more per year and brings a completely different skill set to the table, so the Suns could be intrigued by the fit for him in Phoenix. Morris is expected to be a key player for the Suns this upcoming season, but if he’s going to sulk, it may be worth cutting ties if a good deal can be found. P.J. Tucker would be the only man left from the 2012-2013 roster.

The Suns have to decide what they want to do with Markieff as he is clearly unhappy and if he is kept he could cause a lot of trouble in Phoenix’ locker room.

If the Suns are forced into trading him, the 6’10, 245 lb Morris primarily plays power forward.

Phoenix could try to pry Jared Sullinger from Boston along another asset they might trade to someone else, like Evan Turner.