The New Orleans Pelicans are rumored to be interested in trading big man Ryan Anderson to the Phoenix Suns for its disgruntled power forward Markieff Morris as new NBA trade rumors emerge this week.
Yahoo Sports reported the Pelicans' interest in dealing for Morris on Tuesday, saying that "the Suns and Pelicans have had preliminary contact about a potential trade, but Morris' pending felony aggravated assault charges remain a possible obstacle for virtually every team interested in making a deal".
The report also said that New Orleans is keen on teaming up the 26-year-old, 6-foot-10 stretch four with their best player, Anthony Davis, playing at center to form a young and dangerous frontline.
Trade rumors about Morris are nothing new since he demanded to be traded in July of this year after twin brother Marcus was dealt to the Detroit Pistons without his consent. The interest from the Pelicans is one of the latest to arise 21 games into the season.
One of the clearest indications that the Suns are ready to part ways with the former Kansas standout was when he did not receive any playing time from head coach Jeff Hornacek in the team's 95-93 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday.
Morris was the former starting power forward of Hornacek and lately he suddenly became his second option off the bench.
Fansided noted that "despite his struggles and disgruntled behavior in Phoenix in the 2015-16 season, Morris is certainly an enticing trade target for many teams. He's proven that he can be a viable NBA scorer and a quality rebounder with positional versatility".
Yahoo also mentioned that a swap that includes Ryan Anderson could be currently in the works between the two teams as the Pelicans are "willing to consider moving Anderson" particularly because the former California Golden Bear is said to be not willing to sign an extension with New Orleans.