NBA Trade Deadline: 5 trades Phoenix Suns need to make
By Tom West
Ryan Anderson
It won’t be easy to trade Markieff Morris straight up for someone. Simply because the Suns either won’t get someone of enough talent in return (despite the headache, they won’t let him go for nothing), or their trade partner might not be willing to let go of someone that valuable for a risk like Morris, and may instead form a package deal.
As the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches, though, it seems increasingly likely that the New Orleans Pelicans are going to look to move Ryan Anderson. It all comes down to their financial situation, as when his $8.5 million contract expires after this season, he’ll hit free agency as the kind of top-tier stretch four that can easily land a big contract. This could put him straight out the Pelicans’ price range for the sixth man role they want him to play, so a possible trade with the Suns could help them out.
If the Suns are able to make the Pelicans see past the problems he’s had in Phoenix this season, they can make a straight up offer of Morris for Anderson.
Of course, this all comes down to the Pelicans’ dilemma with Anderson’s future. He’s still one of the most likely players to be dealt by the deadline, so it depends on other offers as to whether Morris is enough. However, when his head is in the right place and he’s playing for a team that he doesn’t despise, he can make such a difference. And while he lacks Anderson’s 39.2 percent three-point shot, he’s a better rebounder, a much better defender, a good passer, and he can drive to the basket with far more success.
Meanwhile, the Suns get a new starting power forward and part ways with their disgruntled ‘star’. Anderson is having an excellent season with 17.1 points per game and 2.5 made threes per 36 minutes, which gives the Suns a reliable perimeter threat besides the scoring of their guards. Even with a stretch four like Mirza Teletovic on the bench, Anderson is a clear upgrade as a starting power forward, thanks to his ability to go inside and post-up at times as well.
When considering the other trade offers that are certainly going to be coming into the Pelicans’ front office, this idea for the Suns may not be enough. In terms of talent, it makes sense, but will New Orleans want to take the risk of a character like Morris as they desperately long to improve themselves?
Next: Morris to Cleveland?