Markieff Morris Wants Off Suns?

Suns forward Markieff Morris wants out of Phoenix and has cut off contact with the team, sources have informed John Gambadoro of the Burns and Gambo Show, which airs on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM (Twitter link). Morris reportedly wants nothing to do with the coaches, front office personnel, and even his teammates, according to Gambadoro.

Morris is likely upset that his twin brother Marcus was dealt to the Pistons along with Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger in exchange for a 2020 second-rounder. The deal with Detroit separated the twins just months after they signed rookie scale extensions with designs on staying together. The Suns had allowed them to divvy up $52MM in extension money this past fall, and Markieff is slated to make $8MM this coming season in the first year of his four-year, $32MM extension.

Phoenix had reportedly been shopping (Markieff) Morris due to him having poor relationship with coach Jeff Hornacek, as well as the anticipated backlash from the player in the wake of his brother being dealt. It’s unclear what the market would be for Markieff at this point given his legal troubles and the likely stigma that would be attached to him forcing an exit from the team with which he has spent his entire career since becoming the No. 13 overall pick back in 2011. The Pistons don’t appear to be a viable option with their packed frontcourt, and being dealt to another team certainly wouldn’t solve Morris’ desire to play alongside his brother.

The 25-year-old appeared in 82 contests last season for the Suns, all as a starter, and posted averages of 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 31.5 minutes per game, with a slash line of .465/.318/.763.

View Comments (8)