NBA Trade Deadline: 5 trades Phoenix Suns need to make
By Tom West
Morris to Cleveland?
The idea of trading Markieff Morris to the Cleveland Cavaliers isn’t a new one. It’s been around for a while, since Kevin Love’s poor defense has been shown up so brutally by the Golden State Warriors. He can’t protect the rim and he’s an absolute liability away from the basket against someone like Draymond Green, who not only tests him with his driving ability and shooting, but through the way he can dictate the Warriors’ offense as a point guard-power forward hybrid.
Love can’t switch between players effectively, read intricate offensive plays at times, cut off lanes to the basket against their speed, or move out to cover stretch shooters on the perimeter like Harrison Barnes and Green.
If the Cavs are going to make the NBA Finals (which is essentially much a guarantee), they need a more agile power forward who won’t be targeted and swiftly destroyed by an elite offense like the Warriors’.
Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com has reported that some key players have expressed they want a trade for Morris to take place:
"Influential figures within the Cavaliers’ locker room are open to the notion of trading for disgruntled Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris, cleveland.com has learned. They believe the Cavs can get the most potential out of him in the role he’d be assigned…. However, league sources with knowledge of the Cavaliers’ thinking insist there’s no connection right now between Morris and the defending Eastern Conference champions. I’m told the organization isn’t too keen with the idea, fearing the team chemistry would be ruined… As for the Cavaliers’ front office, its perspective on Morris could change as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches, but players believe he’d be a solid fit surrounded by LeBron James, James Jones and Richard Jefferson."
The opinion of the front office is something that won’t be clear until this move either takes places or passes by without any further rumors. But, in the event that the Cavs could acquire Morris as some of the players hope they do, who could they offer the Suns in return?
Even as a team full of talent, the Cavs don’t have much they can afford to let go. Timofey Mozgov has been mentioned as their most likely trade piece, but is his expiring $4.95 million contract worth much to the Suns? Not at all. His interior defense still may not be enough either. After Mozgov, everyone from Iman Shumpert to Mo Williams is going to play a role in the Cavs’ title hopes.
Anderson Varejao is another player who seems more expendable, especially if the Cavs get Morris in return. Yet again, though, the Suns don’t need another center. Varejao is under contract for two more years at at least $10 million per season, which isn’t what Phoenix needs when they already have Tyson Chandler in place on a huge contract.
As of right now, it seems like the Cavs’ best bet to land Morris is if the Suns get desperate before the deadline and receive few other offers.
However, if some players in the locker room have expressed interest in acquiring Morris, they must be willing to readjust their team to make a move. If the correct deal emerges, whoever that may involve, a trade could be best for both parties. It all comes down to who the Cavs are willing (and able) to give up.
Next: Trading for future assets