Suns forward Markieff Morris wants out of Phoenix, and the childish way that he has carried himself throughout the entire affair has cost him fans, reputation, and now a solid chunk of cash.
Morris was handed a $10,000 fine by the National Basketball Association on Tuesday for publicly demanding a trade, according to ESPN NBA insider Marc Stein.
The 26-year-old has made his ultimatum for a change of scenery known for weeks now, in the light of the Suns shipping twin brother Marcus to the Detroit Pistons. In early August, reports began trickling in that Markieff wanted nothing more to do with the Suns and was going radio silent on the entire organization. Last week, Markieff himself confirmed his disillusionment tweeting that his future would not be in Phoenix.
It was that second part that the league took exception to as NBA rules strictly prohibit making trade demands public. Markieff would have been able to escape a fine had he just kept his trade demands between himself, his agent, and the Suns.
The NBA, remember, has been fining players for making trade demands public since the 2005-06 season. "Public" being the key distinction
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 8, 2015
NBA trade demands made directly to the team by a player or his agent, without a public statement, is NOT a violation of league rules
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) September 8, 2015
A very costly 140 characters, indeed.
Many an NBA team would love to have a multifaceted offensive talent like Markieff on their team. But it’s his attitude, his juvenile behavior, and his trade wishes being fully in the public domain that is making it so difficult for the Suns to trade him away.
Contract extension from the Phoenix Suns: $32 million
Fine from the league for publicly demanding a trade: $10,000
Couples therapy session with your twin brother: $200
Jeopardizing your NBA future because of your immature antics: Priceless
