NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Suns Reportedly Want More than Just a First Round Pick in Exchange for Morris
Markieff Morris' relationship with the Phoenix Suns has been in turmoil from the time the team traded his twin brother Marcus. Although it certainly looks like both parties can't wait to rid themselves of each other before the trade deadline, the Suns for their part are playing hard ball by asking for more than just a first round pick.
Several teams expressed interest and some even already made pitches to get Morris in exchange of a first round pick, but Phoenix has made it very clear — they are only interested in a package that will include a younger player. This decision came from its general manager, Ryan McDonough, who believes that Morris is worth more than just a future prospect.
But this isn't one of those strategies where they simply just want teams interested in Morris to back off. Yes, the Suns are genuinely desperate in trading him and obviously there is no love lost here, especially when the 26-year-old power forward became a protagonist in a couple of internal troubles in the team, starting with throwing a towel to former head coach Jeff Hornacek and then a bench altercation with teammate Archie Goodwin in an actual game. For sure, the environment within the team isn't as likable with Morris around.
Morris still has three more years left in his contract after this season, in which the team owes him $24 million. While his attitude leaves little to be desired, there is no denying that his talent is something many teams are still going to be interested in. He is a power forward who can stretch and run the floor well. He can shoot from the outside and beat his man off the dribble.
Even though a deal to send Morris somewhere else is unlikely to happen before the trade deadline, Phoenix still has the option to wait until the end of the season, where teams are expected to beef up their rosters. At that point, Morris will be a hot commodity.
