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*Photo via Getty Images
The Phoenix Suns are finding blood to be thicker than water, in the case of Markieff and Marcus Morris. When the organization traded Marcus to the Detroit Pistons in July to clear up cap space for a possible LaMarcus Aldridge signing, neither twin was happy. While Marcus was publically critical of the team after the trade, Markieff kept quiet. That was until Tuesday.
Rosters and chemistry can change on a dime in the NBA, as just two seasons ago it was thought that pairing Marcus with his brother would be a masterful move that could elevate Markieff''s game. While that was probably true, the Suns now find themselves with a disgruntled and lone twin brother on their roster.
According to Philly.com, Markieff Morris went on record to say, “I’ve got to show up. No question”. “But it won’t get that far…I’m going to be out before then, should be.”
The Suns organization have not responded to the comments yet, but one can see a scenario that makes it difficult to trade Markieff at this point. The brothers are both facing aggravated assault charges, due to an alleged physical altercation that occurred last January in Phoenix. Meanwhile, charges are pending, and Markieff Morris is still a Phoenix Sun.
Other teams could use the Morrii legal troubles against the team, and attempt to pry away Markieff for significantly lesser value in return. Therein lies the problem for the Suns to make any trade that improves the team this season.
Suns management could also view a best possible move as an addition-by-subtraction. However, Morris averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game (2014-2015) and is still only 25 years old. He is also scheduled to make $8 million this season, which adds to the value that another team receives via trade.
Stats and Info courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com, CBS.com