Should The Phoenix Suns Trade Markieff Morris?

Possible Trade Partners

But if the Suns were to trade Markieff Morris, what would be an acceptable return for a team with a young core that would have a gaping hole at power forward in the wake of his departure?

It’s no secret that Keef’s trade value isn’t as high as it should be because of the court charges, and even putting feelers out on a deal might suggest that Keef is unhappy or demanding a trade. That would put Phoenix in a tough spot where trade partners might be unwilling to give up too many assets, knowing the Suns are boxed in and have no choice but to trade him.

However, assuming McDonough wanted to deal Keef and could initiate talks without losing too much leverage, here are a couple of options that would make the most sense:

• New Orleans Pelicans: The Pellies have stretch-4 Ryan Anderson, who would be perfect fit for what the Suns need on offense. He’d be a terrific pick-and-pop partner for either Eric Bledsoe or Brandon Knight, his three-point touch would be a huge boost for a team that needs perimeter shooting and his contract matches up pretty perfectly with Markieff’s. But if Suns fans think Keef is bad defensively, they’d have a field day with Anderson’s slow-footed defense. It’s also worth noting that Anderson only has one year left on his contract ($8.5 million) before becoming an unrestricted free agent.
• Chicago Bulls: The Bulls could use the offense Keef could provide and with Taj Gibson coming off of ankle surgery, he’s never been more expendable. The Suns could use the interior defense Gibson brings and since Chicago already has Joakim Noah, Pau Gasol, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis in the frontcourt, Gibson’s place is starting to feel like it’s a little up in the air. Gibson still has two years and over $17 million left on his contract, but he also just turned 30.
• Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets are trying to clean house and you’d better believe Kenneth Faried or Danilo Gallinari would be expendable if the Suns put out feelers for an offensive talent like Markieff Morris. Faried would provide the kind of rebounding and energy fans have been longing for out of the power forward position, while Gallo could log some time as a small-ball stretch-4 in Phoenix. However, the still raw Faried would never be an upgrade over Keef, and Gallinari’s injury history and contract situation (only one more year for $10.8 million) make him a tricky long-term fit.

These are just a few ideas, but you’re starting to get the picture: there might not be an ideal return for Markieff Morris at this point in time.

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