The Markieff Morris-Phoenix Suns saga is not yet finished as the four-year power forward is again the subject of trade rumors linking him to a possible move to the Indiana Pacers in midseason.
Sir Charles in Charge's Michael Saenz predicted that Morris will be traded to Indiana before the February trade deadline as the Pacers seek to add "a potential difference maker to their frontline".
As Larry Bird envisioned, the Pacers are currently playing small ball with Paul George at power forward, C.J. Miles at no. 3, and Jordan Hill and Ian Mahinmi rotating at the slot. Eleventh overall pick Myles Turner has been providing support up front and the inexperience of the rookie has been evident so far in his eight games played.
This leads to the assumption that head coach Frank Vogel urgently needs a reliable young veteran backup to solidify his frontcourt.
Morris has been available all along and an interested team is just what the Suns are waiting for.
The 26-year-old former Kansas Jayhawk is currently averaging 12.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in a little over 26 minutes per game in 16 games so far this season.
While it is not his best production because of internal issues in Phoenix, Morris could really help stabilize the Pacers frontline with his versatility. The stretch four can even start at center alongside Paul George if Vogel decides to go on an ala-Golden State mode from time to time.
Meanwhile, Bleacher Report noted that Morris "has been uncharacteristically inefficient on offense" as Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight "has really come together".
It could be that he is not having enough touches playing with the two premier backcourt men, but with Indiana he can be a second option on offense behind George.