After a summer of publicly voicing his displeasure with the Phoenix Suns for trading away Marcus Morris, his twin brother, it appears Markieff Morris may now get his wish. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, the Houston Rockets are interested in trading for Markieff in order to bolster their attack that has failed to meet expectations in the first quarter of the season.
The Suns would likely get back a package centered around Terrence Jones, who has been reportedly dangled in the past in rumored moves that would either acquire a bigger star or help clear cap space to sign a bigger star. From ESPN.com:
The Houston Rockets have trade interest in Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris, who made multiple trade demands this past offseason, according to league sources.
Sources told ESPN.com the Rockets are in the market for roster upgrades in the wake of their disappointing 10-11 start and have Morris on their list of targets, amid a growing belief around the league that the Suns are indeed prepared to finally move Morris.
Sources told ESPN.com that forward Terrence Jones would likely be included if a trade for Markieff Morris came to fruition, but the options for virtually every team in the league will increase in just over a week's time, with more than 100 players who signed new deals over the summer becoming trade eligible Dec. 15.
This comes on the heels of Morris receiving his first Did Not Play - Coach's Decision since his rookie season. Morris is in the first year of a four-year, $32 million extension -- a deal he agreed to at such a bargain rate because his brother was also extended at a cheaper salary than expected. But following last season, which included a regression by the team and an assault incident allegedly involving the Morris twins, the Suns moved Marcus Morris to Detroit to clear room to sign Tyson Chandler.
If Markieff Morris, whose public disgruntled nature has wondered just how awkward the next four years could be after claiming he'd never play for the Suns again this summer, is acquired by the Rockets, would it be adding too much lighter fluid to the BBQ when you try to ignite it? Morris has been mercurial and the Rockets seem to have enough issues right now. They fired Kevin McHale after a 4-7 start and there are some leadership questions about James Harden, Dwight Howard, and Ty Lawson.
Perhaps Morris being off the Suns would boost his play. After breaking out the last two seasons, Morris is averaging just 12.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 26.2 minutes while shooting 39 percent. Jones, who has battled injuries the last two seasons, is averaging 11.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 25.9 minutes. He's shooting better than Morris from both the field and from 3-point range and has proven to be a good defender. He just can't stay healthy at the moment.
From a player standpoint, there's no real guarantee Morris would be an upgrade over Jones.
