The Phoenix Suns seem desperate to unload problematic forward Markieff Morris before Thursday’s trade deadline. But now their list of potential suitors may have just gotten one team smaller.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported on Tuesday that the Toronto Raptors are not interested in acquiring Morris.
One contender who is not interested in Phoenix's Markieff Morris: The Toronto Raptors.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 16, 2016
Widely seen as one piece away from legitimate contention this season, the 35-17 Raptors appear to be in the market for a power forward, which is arguably their biggest positional deficiency. Reports earlier this month held that Toronto was indeed interested in Morris along with Suns teammate P.J. Tucker, but now it looks like that’s not the case.
Morris, 26, has averages of 11.6 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game this season. But beyond just his counting stats, the former No. 13 overall pick has caused the Suns countless headaches in recent months. You name it, Morris has done everything from arguing with a teammate on the sideline and flipping off fans to throwing a towel at his head coach and making public trade demands.
Everybody and their dog knows that the Suns would absolutely love to rid themselves of Morris, but his character issues are serious enough that even teams like the Raptors who could use his talent won’t touch him. It doesn’t help either that Phoenix’s supposed asking price for Morris is unreasonable with Wojnarowski also reporting over the weekend that they want a first-round pick and a younger player in exchange for their disgruntled forward.
Whatever little leverage the Suns had is quickly dwindling, and they may have to settle for well below market price on Morris given their (rightful) desperation to cleanse their organization of him.
