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Suns 5-On-5: The Markieff Morris Roundtable

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) shoots the ball between Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson (34) and center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) shoots the ball between Sacramento Kings forward Jason Thompson (34) and center DeMarcus Cousins (15) during the first quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2) What’s the worst-case scenario for this Markieff Morris situation, realistically?

Bourguet:  Trading away Keef for pennies on the dollar. Suspending him without pay and Keef walking away from basketball in general (rather than play for the Suns) would obviously be the most drastic outcome, but at least in that scenario the Suns would be able to say they weren’t the ones to act stupidly. Keef is still on one of the best non-rookie contracts in the league. Don’t deal him when his trade value is at its lowest.

Chasen:  The worst-case scenario is basically what a lot of people on Twitter have decided is somehow the right option: the Suns giving away Morris for next-to-nothing. I cannot stress enough how horrible this idea is. Markieff Morris is on a super cheap four-year deal that kicks in this year, and if he does anything destructive to the team, the Suns can suspend him indefinitely and keep him away.

But there’s an even bigger factor at play. Despite fan perception, Morris was actually the Suns’ MOST valuable player on the court, in terms of on/off stats, and if they give him up for nothing, they will really be putting a lot of pressure on the young guys to perform. I’ll say this over and over again: If you can get something GOOD for him? Trade him. If not? Be patient.

Harris:  With Markieff on the move, Phoenix needs players that can play right now. So if they trade Markieff for a bunch of prospects then it doesn’t do the Suns much good.

Hann:  A trade fails to transpire, the Suns mistakenly call his bluff on not being a good teammate, Morris arrives at training camp and BOOM. The locker room is dealing with serious controversy and turmoil before preseason games even start. For an organization that has made a conscious effort to change the culture to a more mature environment, Morris would represent a huge step back.

Schall:  The Suns panic trade Kieff, for salary cap filler. On the way out he beats up the Gorilla and spray paints “FOE” in bright blue letters on the front doors of Talking Stick Resort Arena.

Next: No. 3

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