NBA Trade Deadline: The 5 players most likely to be dealt

Markieff Morris

Markieff Morris’ problems in Phoenix go beyond the head coach. Even with the change made of firing Jeff Hornacek and promoting Earl Watson, it’s hard to see that Morris is going to be a fully content player with the Suns for the three years remaining on his contract. And while he won’t just be dumped for any old backup or low draft pick, there should be teams willing to make a respectable offer in order to land someone with Morris’ talent and versatility.

As a combo forward, he has a lot of value in today’s NBA. With the ability to play at both forward positions to help space the floor while bringing good size, rebounding and agile defense, Morris can be a good sixth man or starter for multiple teams. One rumored possibility could even be him going to the Detroit Pistons to reunite with his brother Marcus.

As Lang Greene of Basketball Insiders has pointed out, the Suns’ recently increased role for Morris under new head coach Earl Watson is probably just a last minute effort to boost his trade value:

"With the trade deadline fast approaching, it appears the Suns’ latest insertion of Morris into a prominent rotation role is a last ditch effort to showcase their former building block’s worth in order to drum up value. The question is, will any team bite the bait? We’ll see, as well if a team is willing to give Phoenix anything of true value in return when the inevitable trade occurs."

Over the last four games since returning to the starting lineup, Morris has averaged highly well-rounded numbers of 21 points on 44.1 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, one steal and 1.5 blocks per game. It’s the kind of performance he’s always been capable of. If he’s in the right situation with the correct kind of leaders to follow, you have to think he can make a positive difference.

As for his defense, just last season he was holding players slightly below their average percentages from almost every area of the floor (per NBA.com). For all these attributes and his small-ball versatility, he’s worth real consideration.

What makes Morris an even more eye-catching target? He’s under contract for three more years for just $8 million a season. If he finds top form again, that’s an absolute steal.

Besides the Raptors recently expressing interest, teams such as the Pistons, Rockets and Cleveland Cavaliers could all be possible trade partners.

After all the headache surrounding Morris this season since he demanded a trade, it’s hard to see that they have any intention other than to deal him away now. He’s a talented player with the kind of skill set that should appeal to many teams, so it’s really just down to the Suns to see if they can bring in someone (or picks) of value in return.

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