NBA Trade Rumors: 5 deals Dallas Mavericks need to make
By Tom West
2. Markieff Morris
The Mavericks are far from being an athletic team. Their backcourt rotation isn’t young and they’re hardly Russell Westbrook-esque, while the frontcourt consists of Dirk and Pachulia, who also lack in the explosive department. Even with McGee’s high-flying alley-oops and blocks, they could use some more speed and general defensive toughness in their frontcourt.
To address this and to give them some more lineup versatility, the Mavs could look into a trade with the Phoenix Suns for Markieff Morris. Specifically, they can offer a possible package of Devin Harris and McGee. Of course, this isn’t the most exciting offer in the world, although it’s still unlikely the Suns want to keep Morris much longer.
As John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports has reported, that’s precisely the case:
"It wasn’t in the Suns’ best interest to play Morris major minutes when he wasn’t a part of the future. Watson will play him out of desperation to help him win games — or at least be competitive — and look good so he can have a legitimate shot at the job. Getting the most out of Morris will prove Watson’s worth as a coach. Morris should have been shown the door a long time ago. But he is still here and just now decided to earn some of the $8 million he is making. But it remains in the Suns’ best interest to move him and that continues to be what the plan is."
After the Rajon Rondo experiment failed so dramatically last season, the Mavericks and head coach Rick Carlisle may not want to take on another difficult character. That’s what Morris has been this season with Phoenix, although it all boils down to the way they handled his brother Marcus and his eventual trade demand. In a far stronger organization with leaders like Carlisle and Dirk to get behind, the Mavericks may be able to bring out the best in Morris.
Just last week he went off for 30 points, 11 rebounds, six assists and two blocks against the Toronto Raptors. It’s the kind of versatile performance Morris has always been capable of as a 6’8″ combo forward, and he could add another dimension to the Mavericks’ frontcourt.
He’s a strong rebounder and can defend away from the basket far better than Dirk and Pachulia, he has a reasonable jump shot and he can create by himself at times off drives. At the very least, Morris brings a new dynamic with some athleticism.
No, this trade isn’t perfect, but it won’t cost too much and it’s a risk that could pay off.
Next: 1. Pursuing a new starting point guard