Despite the Suns seemingly wanting to work things out, it seems inevitable that Markieff Morris will be playing elsewhere this season. He hasn’t backed off on his trade demand. The four-year, $32MM extension that Morris signed last fall kicks in for this coming season. The contract might be an obstacle for a trade, but a lack of communication between Morris and the team indicates that the relationship will be extremely difficult to repair.
With Morris’ days in Phoenix apparently numbered, there are a few teams that come to mind as potential new homes. Personally, I think the Magic are a good fit, given Orlando’s lack of talent at the power forward position. Morris would be an intriguing fit because he would further allow Tobias Harris to play small forward.
There are other teams that make sense, of course. Thus, our topic of the day: Where do you think the best landing spot for Markieff Morris is?
Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. We look forward to what you have to say.
Note: Since these Shootarounds are meant to be guided by you the reader, we certainly welcome your input on the topics we present. If there is something you’d like to see pop up here for a discussion, shoot us a message at hoopsrumorsmailbag@gmail.com.
Like I alluded to, I think it would behoove the Magic to improve at PF. Channing Frye just doesn’t cut it.
If he could accept coming off the bench, he could be fit in Milwaukee. Thin at forward after starters.
Portland. See how much the Northwest digs his attitude. Lol. Seriously, Morris for Vonleh. Portland needs the talent (unless their tanking for Ben Simmons). Suns need a banger who can hit a standing jump shot, Vonleh.
The Trail Blazers signed Aminu to be their starting small forward, though he has offensive limitations. And they’re hoping Vonleh can be their long-term starting four, at least by the 2016/17 season.
It would be very intriguing to see him end up in Philly, where he’s originally from. Ryan McDonough and Sam Hinkie both come from the Danny Ainge executive tree. I’m not sure Hinkie wants a contract as large as the one Morris has without also getting some valuable draft assets attached to it, and even though the Suns are in a tough spot, I can’t see them giving up valuable draft assets just to get him out of town, unless they received equally intriguing draft assets and/or young players in return.
I wouldn’t want him anywhere near the Sixers. Completely unprofessional and immature. His talent isn’t worth the headaches be brings.
Why not the Lakers? They could use a small forward to eventually replace Kobe, who will probably start at the “three” this season. Heck, they were even thinking about signing Metta World Peace, so there’s some minutes to be had at that spot.
What about the Hornets?
-Marvin Williams & PJ Hairston for Keef.
-Or Marvin & Brian Roberts, PJ, and Suns give back Keef and PJ Tucker
Suns get a stopgap PF back in Marvin. (Whole problem is they are trying to trade Keef for another PF, which is really tough). But they also get a SG prospect behind Booker. Brian Roberts could be swapped for PJ, and or/ add PJ Tucker or Goodwin if the Suns want to get rid of salary. Realistically the Hornets could give them anyone on their roster except MKG, Batum, Kemba, Al. No picks.
The Hornets will probably go with the combo of Zeller, Kaminsky and Jefferson at power forward/center, so I doubt Morris would be any happier in Charlotte.
I think he would start at PF in Charlotte and be much more effective than Zeller. I am a Frank fan though. Another interesting thing would be a swap for Illyasova??? Back with his brother.
So the only places he would be pretty much looked at as a starter would be
Raptors, Celtics, Pacers, Philly, Blazers, Knicks?, Lakers?, Rockets?
The Pistons really like Ilyasova. They’re sold on him as their starter at PF this year. If Morris rejoined his brother, he’d have to back up Ilyasova. They could move Brandon Jennings’ expiring deal, though I don’t know if they like Markieff enough to take on his four-year deal.