Markieff Morris has made it abundantly clear that he no longer wants to be a member of the Phoenix Suns. Repeatedly the big man has expressed his displeasure and frustration with the organization. At this point, he looks ready to exit the desert and find a new home.
Just this past week, he even went as far to take it to social media and tweeted, “My future will not be in Phoenix…. #thatisall #backtothegrind #FOE.” In response, the NBA fined him $10,000 for his remarks. The main reason for the bad blood between Morris and the Suns was supposedly the trade that sent his brother, Marcus, to the Detroit Pistons.
“Everybody knew how bad I wanted to play with my brother,” said Marcus Morris. “Phoenix knew. For them to trade me without consent or telling or anything like that was kind of like a, I would say slap in the face, because of the contract I took from those guys and the money I took from them. That was kind of a slap in the face.”
If the Suns go their separate ways with the remaining Morris brother, they will be losing yet another talented member of the team. Morris had his career best season last year, averaging 15.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game. The 25-year-old is a skilled offensive power forward with a smooth mid-ranged game, a decent 3-point stroke, and can finish effectively in the paint. He could have been a player that would have helped the Suns finally make it to the playoffs. Alas, this does not seem like it is a possibility now.
“One thing for sure, I am not going to be there,” said Markieff. “If you want to put that out there, you can put that out . . . I am not to going to be there at all.” He continued by saying, “I’ve got to show up. No question. You can’t do that. I will be a professional. Don’t get me wrong. But it won’t get that far. . . . I’m going to be out before then, should be.”
Feeling a sense of betrayal, Markieff Morris has previously voiced his interest in joining the Toronto Raptors and the Houston Rockets. Whatever the case may be, his time is running short in Phoenix and if he permitted a trade opportunity, a team will acquire a more than capable forward. The situation is an intriguing one to monitor and should be one of the more interesting topics buzzing around the NBA offseason.
