Suns find themselves in a pickle: Moving Markieff Morris

[bwgood77]

I just went through all the eastern conference teams, and the only ones that I think might consider it are Charlotte for Marvin Williams (but he's expiring and 29) or possibly Patrick Patterson.

That would be assuming the Suns are desperate to trade him though, and I don't think they are.

Is there any chance to move him to Philly, with maybe a pick for Saric? We lose out a bit this season, but it could be a nice position for us next year.

Philly is having a rough start, and bringing in a hometown boy may improve things. Keiff's contract isn't too bad, and as long as the pick isn't something too great, we really wouldn't be losing out too much.

If that were to happen, either Leuer or Tele would really have to step up, and knock down shots.

I seriously doubt it. They want to be really young and to blossom when LeBron is over the hill. They clearly don't want to be more competitive right now and I think have high hopes for Saric. They probably hope to contend for the playoffs in 2-3 years and to be a contender for the eastern conference in 4-6 years.

[bwgood77]

Thats why they are not trading him right now. Nothing worth it. Just wait for the trial to end.

Very likely McD's perspective

We're all pretty desperate to not have to watch Markieff play any more.

Very possibly Sarver's perspective

If Sarver, with his fan hat on and wanting to put more fans in the seats, while once again being short sighted about the long term view, demands Kieff to be traded regardless of what we can get right now (like demanding Kurt Thomas be dumped even if we give up two picks, one being used to pick Ibaka), then that is the one scenario I see him being dumped for less than what his value can be at a later date.

[SideSwipe]

I have a feeling there may already be a deal in place waiting for the Dec. moratorium to end. That would lead to uninspired play and additional lack of focus. His mind has moved on already.... As for all of the other deals on here, I would still keep him if there isn't another deal in place. Need to get him refocused.

I am an advocate for letting him lead the bench scoring effort. Move Leuer and TJ in as starters and maybe PJ and Kieff to the bench mob. Price (or Knight/Bledsoe), Booker, PJ, Kieff, Len. That team would do serious damage to opponents defenses, I think.

[rsavaj]

I'm not against a Kieff trade(at all!) but when you acknowledge that he has negative value, that pretty much rules out a trade as far as I'm concerned.

You gotta keep the guy until he builds up his value enough to get something worthwhile.

[jcsunsfan]

I have a feeling there may already be a deal in place waiting for the Dec. moratorium to end. That would lead to uninspired play and additional lack of focus. His mind has moved on already.... As for all of the other deals on here, I would still keep him if there isn't another deal in place. Need to get him refocused.

I am an advocate for letting him lead the bench scoring effort. Move Leuer and TJ in as starters and maybe PJ and Kieff to the bench mob. Price (or Knight/Bledsoe), Booker, PJ, Kieff, Len. That team would do serious damage to opponents defenses, I think.

What deal do you speculate is already in place?

[bwgood77]

I have a feeling there may already be a deal in place waiting for the Dec. moratorium to end. That would lead to uninspired play and additional lack of focus. His mind has moved on already.... As for all of the other deals on here, I would still keep him if there isn't another deal in place. Need to get him refocused.

I am an advocate for letting him lead the bench scoring effort. Move Leuer and TJ in as starters and maybe PJ and Kieff to the bench mob. Price (or Knight/Bledsoe), Booker, PJ, Kieff, Len. That team would do serious damage to opponents defenses, I think.

What deal do you speculate is already in place?

And even if there was, I doubt Kieff would know about it. Any team can pull out at any time, like when GS decided they didn't want to trade us Curry.

[oddity]

It seriously is a bad spot this entirely Kieff drama has put us in. It really looks like the guy just doesn't have his heart in these games. He isn't even looking for his shot as aggressively as last year, despite shooting being the one thing you would think he'd still love to do. It was so apparent during the Bulls game, as the entire team seemed fired up... except for him.

The big issue I see with this Suns team is that it seems too reliant on its backcourt to succeed. TJ can do a bit w/ the ball, and PJ and Archie both tryyyy at least..? But for the most part the offense flows directly through either Eric or Brandon. They're both playing great this season - absolutely nothing substantial I can say wrong about them - but as soon as the ball is in anyone else's hands the quick confident Suns turn into an 8 year-old with stage fright, walking up to the front for a big solo, only to burst into tears at the sight of the audience. This problem shows itself the most when the bench mob is on the floor, especially when Ronnie Price (another pleasant surprise actually) wasn't playing. With Markieff being a competent shot creator, it only hurts more that he's not playing at 100%, and while I like that he hasn't been as much of a black hole for our team as in recent years, there are too many times when the shot clock will wind itself down when the ball is being controlled by anyone not named Bledsoe or Knight.

Again, this is such a shame because I can really see this team going somewhere special soon. The backcourt is elite, and the surrounding pieces like Tyson, PJ, and Leuer are fitting in nicely. We have a consistently strong Center lineup with Len (who's not quite theeere yet, but shows continuous improvement) backing up Chandler, and there's even talented youth with room to grow, the likes of TJ being the best example. I'm liking this teams chances way more than I thought I would, but there's still a huge hole to address. I truly believe that this Suns team becomes a playoff lock with Markieff playing at least to the tune of last year's productivity, and it just stings to see the key turn, but not click, if you catch my proverbial drift.

With all of that being said, you don't trade the guy just yet. He's on an acceptable contract, and we can wait another year for our big step forward if need be. The Suns' core is young, so we have to remind ourselves that there's no rush to be that team just yet. I say we ride this muddy, disgusting Kieff wave out until the off season, where we can hopefully pick up something with at least a glimmer of hope to be more competent than this fool. Oh, and screw Ryan Anderson. He is too inconsistent, and can't create any of his own offense. Sure he can hit threes, but his scoring feels empty because of his ridiculous shot selection. I stand that he's not right for this team, and is only a last last laaast ditch effort.

[Saberestar]

A lot of people have said how much better Marcus is on Detroit but how much better is he really? He is averaging 14.5 ppg and 6 rbs but he is playing 37.6 mpg. The more telling statistic is his bad shooting. 37.8% fg and 26.8% 3pts. That is awful.

Markieff's shooting is virtually the same as Marcus'. Markieff is shooting 36.6% fg and 26.9%. More terrible shooting.

This is what I have been saying all along about the Morris brothers. Forget everything they do or say off the court. They are not good players. They are both bench players at best. Markieff does one thing well and that is hit clutch shots down the stretch of games. He carved out his niche. But he does nothing else. Poor rebounder, extremely soft inside, slow, bad shooter, horrible attitude, low iq, bad influence on young players. Then add on the fact that he does not care about this team and is playing at half speed. It blows my mind why anyone still wants this guy around. I just hope McDonough is not making this a pride issue and refusing to trade him even at the detriment of the team.

Yes, Marcus played two or three good games and that is all. He is not an efficient scorer, and we knew that.

Markieff is slightly better on that regard, but his overall defense/motor/intimidation/rebounding/post defense is below average around the league and that is something that we can tolerate if his offense is good enough to equilibrate these weaknesses. If he continues to play this poor for a long period of time we need to make some serious changes, that is for sure.

[bwgood77]

A lot of people have said how much better Marcus is on Detroit but how much better is he really? He is averaging 14.5 ppg and 6 rbs but he is playing 37.6 mpg. The more telling statistic is his bad shooting. 37.8% fg and 26.8% 3pts. That is awful.

Markieff's shooting is virtually the same as Marcus'. Markieff is shooting 36.6% fg and 26.9%. More terrible shooting.

This is what I have been saying all along about the Morris brothers. Forget everything they do or say off the court. They are not good players. They are both bench players at best. Markieff does one thing well and that is hit clutch shots down the stretch of games. He carved out his niche. But he does nothing else. Poor rebounder, extremely soft inside, slow, bad shooter, horrible attitude, low iq, bad influence on young players. Then add on the fact that he does not care about this team and is playing at half speed. It blows my mind why anyone still wants this guy around. I just hope McDonough is not making this a pride issue and refusing to trade him even at the detriment of the team.

Dude, you haven't been saying this all along. It's definitely the first I've heard of it.

[AtheJ415]

Kieff is still tradeable. People wouldn't weigh his awful 10 games of this season more than his last 2 productive seasons. His contract is gold, and to believe that he'll keep playing like this is to believe he was only good because Marcus was here, and that has no real logic behind it.

He needs to play better, but he's far from unmovable, and he's not a negative asset.

[bwgood77]

The big issue I see with this Suns team is that it seems too reliant on its backcourt to succeed. TJ can do a bit w/ the ball, and PJ and Archie both tryyyy at least..? But for the most part the offense flows directly through either Eric or Brandon. They're both playing great this season - absolutely nothing substantial I can say wrong about them - but as soon as the ball is in anyone else's hands the quick confident Suns turn into an 8 year-old with stage fright.

We are kind of like Washington in this respect. Even Otto Porter, who I was researching a bit today, is kind of like their version of TJ, but he's now in the starting lineup. But that is pretty much their offense. They have rebounding bigs (Nene and Humphries) and Gortat can block a shot or two and has size in the middle and can finish, which is basically what we have...Tyson can finish (mostly only perfectly set up dunks though) and he is a great rebounder.

If Markieff could just get back to his scoring, and try to help with ball movement when needed, his lack of D and rebounding can better be covered now with Tyson and PJ on either side of him.

Just put a little effort in Kieff. For the love of GOD.

[oddity]

We are kind of like Washington in this respect. Even Otto Porter, who I was researching a bit today, is kind of like their version of TJ, but he's now in the starting lineup. But that is pretty much their offense. They have rebounding bigs (Nene and Humphries) and Gortat can block a shot or two and has size in the middle and can finish, which is basically what we have...Tyson can finish (mostly only perfectly set up dunks though) and he is a great rebounder.

If Markieff could just get back to his scoring, and try to help with ball movement when needed, his lack of D and rebounding can better be covered now with Tyson and PJ on either side of him.

Just put a little effort in Kieff. For the love of GOD.

Yea, I actually was thinking about how similar we were to Washington in that regard. If Kieff can just produce the way he did before, we would actually separate from and transcend those types of teams. He doesn't even need to play at suuuch a high level. My god is it frustrating to see the missing piece right there and not be able put the whole puzzle into that coherent, playoff caliber, picture.

Sighhh, guess we should start our prayers for that big Al Horford signing that's never ever going to happen

[RunDogGun]

I just went through all the eastern conference teams, and the only ones that I think might consider it are Charlotte for Marvin Williams (but he's expiring and 29) or possibly Patrick Patterson.

That would be assuming the Suns are desperate to trade him though, and I don't think they are.

Is there any chance to move him to Philly, with maybe a pick for Saric? We lose out a bit this season, but it could be a nice position for us next year.

Philly is having a rough start, and bringing in a hometown boy may improve things. Keiff's contract isn't too bad, and as long as the pick isn't something too great, we really wouldn't be losing out too much.

If that were to happen, either Leuer or Tele would really have to step up, and knock down shots.

I seriously doubt it. They want to be really young and to blossom when LeBron is over the hill. They clearly don't want to be more competitive right now and I think have high hopes for Saric. They probably hope to contend for the playoffs in 2-3 years and to be a contender for the eastern conference in 4-6 years.

Who said they would be more competitive right now?

[nevetsov]

Trade Keef for the best possible draft pick.
Sign Sims.

PF Leuer, Teletubby, Jefferson
C Chandler, Len, Sims

PJ can also play small ball PF, opening up more mins at SF for TJ.

[thamadkant]

A lot of people have said how much better Marcus is on Detroit but how much better is he really? He is averaging 14.5 ppg and 6 rbs but he is playing 37.6 mpg. The more telling statistic is his bad shooting. 37.8% fg and 26.8% 3pts. That is awful.

Markieff's shooting is virtually the same as Marcus'. Markieff is shooting 36.6% fg and 26.9%. More terrible shooting.

This is what I have been saying all along about the Morris brothers. Forget everything they do or say off the court. They are not good players. They are both bench players at best. Markieff does one thing well and that is hit clutch shots down the stretch of games. He carved out his niche. But he does nothing else. Poor rebounder, extremely soft inside, slow, bad shooter, horrible attitude, low iq, bad influence on young players. Then add on the fact that he does not care about this team and is playing at half speed. It blows my mind why anyone still wants this guy around. I just hope McDonough is not making this a pride issue and refusing to trade him even at the detriment of the team.

Dude, you haven't been saying this all along. It's definitely the first I've heard of it.

Yeah, that came out of the left field.

[thamadkant]

I would look at Grizzlies and Wizards... These teams are gunning for an improvement in the playoffs... Markieff Morris even off the bench could be enticing for them.


From Grizzlies.
Perhaps a future pick... Shame Jeff Green is soft. If he atleast rebounded well he could be useful as a threath inside.


From Wizards.
Maybe package Tucker with Morris for Porter OR Oubre + pick.

Oubre has the tools to be special.

And maybe he can draw more male fans currently in limbo with their sexuality. I mean, it seems a lot of Suns male fans heart beat skips a beat when they look at Booker... Add Oubre and they may completely cross the line.

[Cutter]

Kieff's not building up any trade value......he peaked 2 years ago. He's super average right now.

[Kerrsed]

No way in hell i would package any picks of any kind with Morris to get Anderson.

If people are so gun-ho on obtaining another stretch 4, why not go after one that we all know that can be obtained for pennies on the dollar.

Welcome Back Channing Frye!

I mean for real, Orlando would drop him just for the capspace alone, as he never fit into their system or what they are trying to do. I tend to think they obtained him just to try to secure the rights to his cousin (Harris) who was looking to leave, which they did.

Bring Frye in and continue to shop Morris for the best trade possible. Its hard to trade a PF for a PF. Why would a team trade their good PF for Morris. If their PF was any good, they wouldnt be trading him in the 1st place, right? Get Frye and trade Morris for the best assets that we can use in the future or to flip for another player that we do like.

Even though i hated Frye here more than anybody, my issue with him was his rebounding and when we would plug him into the C spot. Chandler kinda eliminates that issue for me.

Thoughts?

[bwgood77]

No way in hell i would package any picks of any kind with Morris to get Anderson.

If people are so gun-ho on obtaining another stretch 4, why not go after one that we all know that can be obtained for pennies on the dollar.

Welcome Back Channing Frye!

I mean for real, Orlando would drop him just for the capspace alone, as he never fit into their system or what they are trying to do. I tend to think they obtained him just to try to secure the rights to his cousin (Harris) who was looking to leave, which they did.

Bring Frye in and continue to shop Morris for the best trade possible. Its hard to trade a PF for a PF. Why would a team trade their good PF for Morris. If their PF was any good, they wouldnt be trading him in the 1st place, right? Get Frye and trade Morris for the best assets that we can use in the future or to flip for another player that we do like.

Even though i hated Frye here more than anybody, my issue with him was his rebounding and when we would plug him into the C spot. Chandler kinda eliminates that issue for me.

Thoughts?

Well I already mentioned I would trade Frye for Morris because Chandler could help hide Frye's defincies, but who are you suggesting to trade for Frye? Can we absorb him into the cap? And I wouldn't have asked this before tonight, but is he worth that much more than Leuer or Telly? Especially when he is that much more expensive?

But I think if we did have all three of those guys, with the strengths at all the other positions, we could always ride the hot one when needed.

Of course I'd love that big time stud PF, but that is unlikely to happen in a trade scenario.

[MrMiyagi]

No way in hell i would package any picks of any kind with Morris to get Anderson.

If people are so gun-ho on obtaining another stretch 4, why not go after one that we all know that can be obtained for pennies on the dollar.

Welcome Back Channing Frye!

I mean for real, Orlando would drop him just for the capspace alone, as he never fit into their system or what they are trying to do. I tend to think they obtained him just to try to secure the rights to his cousin (Harris) who was looking to leave, which they did.

Bring Frye in and continue to shop Morris for the best trade possible. Its hard to trade a PF for a PF. Why would a team trade their good PF for Morris. If their PF was any good, they wouldnt be trading him in the 1st place, right? Get Frye and trade Morris for the best assets that we can use in the future or to flip for another player that we do like.

Even though i hated Frye here more than anybody, my issue with him was his rebounding and when we would plug him into the C spot. Chandler kinda eliminates that issue for me.

Thoughts?

So what would it be, Telly and Weems for Frye? Weems will expire a year before Frye and Telly expires after this season. I'd be down with that.