NBA Trade Deadline: 5 trades Phoenix Suns need to make

Terrence Jones and Corey Brewer

Houston could well be another possible destination for Markieff Morris. As early as December, Marc Stein of ESPN reported that the Rockets were interested, while adding that Terrence Jones would likely be involved in the package heading to Phoenix:

"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 that forward Terrence Jones would likely be included if a trade for Markieff Morris came to fruition."

This may have been a couple of months ago, but Morris is likely still on the Rockets’ trade radar, even if they aren’t making it their priority to acquire him. Also, if the Suns come to them with a good enough offer, they’ll be more likely to accept.

One possibility could be a package of Morris and Archie Goodwin for Terrence Jones and Corey Brewer.

As Stein reported, Jones was expected to be the likely component of a trade between these teams. The Rockets have plenty of solid players in their frontcourt, from their star in Dwight Howard to younger players like Clint Capela and Donatas Motiejunas (if he’s ever actually healthy). They could use an upgrade, though, and Morris is a definite possibility.

With his rebounding, driving ability, passing and versatility to play at both forward positions, he offers another dynamic to their possible lineups, with solid defense away from the basket for a power forward, too. In Goodwin, they get a young player with potential who’s started finding his stride this year, although the clear focus of the deal is Morris.

Yes, he comes with question marks as his level of professionalism leaves so much to be desired at the moment, but that could change if he’s in a new situation.

Thankfully for anyone involved in the Suns’ organization, from those in the front office to their frustrated fans, this trades allows them to part with Morris. They get a more than capable player in Jones, who’s solid defensively with a respectable jump shot and 31.6 percent three-point shot. Brewer is a welcome addition too, as a veteran forward who’s still a lengthy defender with ability as a streaky scorer and fast breakout player in transition.

This isn’t as good for the Suns as the next suggestion, but it’s still an option as Phoenix would likely reciprocate the Rockets’ interest.

Next: Aiming for a top-tier stretch four