Markieff Morris (Photo : Reuters File)
The NBA trade rumors are rife that Markieff Morris wants a trade out of the Phoenix Suns after the team traded his twin brother Marcus Morris.
Markieff Morris is throwing a major fit after the Phoenix Suns traded his twin brother to Detroit in a cap-clearing move this summer.
The twins played college basketball together in Kansas and were drafted one after the other (by separate teams, Phoenix and Houston). When the Suns traded for Marcus Morris and reunited them, the two players vastly improved.
However, the trade seemed to throw a wrench into their career paths as NBC Sports illustrates "the twins are extremely close - they live together, and their agent even negotiated their contract extensions together."
That was one of the reasons Markieff is raging now. CBS Sports' Matt Moore mentioned that the twins, particularly Markieff took a deal below market value so they could play together. It was somewhat of an understanding that they were a package deal. Of course, it's not binding in professional sports.
It should be noted that the Morris twins are currently facing assault charges and that is a development that should affect their future. But the bottom line is, a dynamic starting forward on a contract pegged at $ 8 million for four years might become available. That's a bargain but there are red flags all around.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are armed with a trade exception from the Brendan Haywood contract that can absorb Markieff's salary. One can say that the exception is actually made for situations like this, but again, the very red flags. Should the Cavs take the risk?
Fear the Sword discussed this issue with their writers and the general consensus was: No, they shouldn't. Morris has the talent, no doubt and the Cavs need another big for insurance in case there are injuries but Morris already has attitude issues, even clashes against coach Jeff Hornacek. The fact that he has an assault case and he allegedly refuses to communicate to Phoenix team officials are red flags that just cannot be denied.
However, they do say that "the NBA can be weird."
