The Phoenix Suns mat trade Markieff Morris at some point this year, as the forward is now happy with his situation and teams like the LA Lakers, NY Knicks, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers could be potential landing spots in the future.
Morris has been unhappy since earlier in the summer after the Suns traded his twin brother Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons. According to John Gambadoro at Arizona Sports, Morris was upset at the trade because he wanted to continue playing with his brother, but also because Morris felt the twins gave the Suns a discount when they negotiated contract extensions last year. Morris made some comments in public about wanting a trade from the Suns and for that he was fined by the league.
Morris is a forward with a lot of potential and recent reports from Grantland.com and other websites have a trade not close to happening. According to Zach Lowe, the Suns don't seem "seem especially motivated" to move Morris and it quotes Jeff Hornacek as being "optimistic" about the situation. The same article also saw Hornacek criticize Morris about his effort in games, so that could be a bit of a mixed signal on the part of the coach, but right now a deal doesn't look imminent.
Gambadoro reported earlier in the offseason that Morris was not talking to players or staff from the Suns and that he would be "standoffish" when he came into training camp. Gambadoro wrote that the situation could "get ugly" for the Suns if Morris comes into camp, as he could make a "circus" out of media day and is planning to show up until he "absolutely has to." Gambadoro also reported that Morris may have "one work answers" for the coach and that sources said he will "never" be happy in Phoenix.
Gambadoro reported that of Morris had a preference, he would like to be traded to the Toronto Raptors or the Houston Rockets. Morris has relationships with players on those teams and as Pro Basketball Talk points out, both of those teams could use an upgrade at power forward. The Suns are not motivated to make a deal right now, as Morris is unhappy and teams know that, giving them a bit less leverage. Reports have the Suns not looking to trade Morris at this point, but that could change if Morris continues to be disgruntled heading into the season.
The tough part for Morris and a trade is the fact that most rosters are set heading into camp and the Suns need Morris at his position. Morris also has a solid contract and some good young talent, meaning the Suns likely would not be getting the same value back in a trade and could keep them from looking to make a deal, even if Morris is unhappy.
Morris is coming off of his best season stats wise and that makes the Suns also less likely to trade him, because the team wants to contend this season. The Celtics, Raptors, Rockets, Lakers, Heat and Knicks all could make offers to the Suns, but right now no deal is looking close to happening. Training camps start opening at the end of the month and that could see some movement on a trade.
Check here for more on Morris, the potential for a trade and more on the Suns.
