In the pursuit of a piece that can help take them to the next level, it appears the Toronto Raptors have moved their sights onto Markieff Morris and P.J. Tucker of the Phoenix Suns.
The Toronto Raptors played against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday night, an evening where the outcome was a lot closer than they may have considered coming into the night. A large part of that was the inspired play by Suns forward Markieff Morris.
The occasionally volatile forward accumulated 30 points, 11 rebounds and six assists in the loss, but his play seems to have left an impression on the Raptors organization, with new NBA trade rumors being circulated. ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the team has shown interest in acquiring Morris in a trade:
Toronto, I'm told, also showing interest in Suns' Markieff Morris; PHX widely seen as a LOCK to do at least one deal before Feb. 18 deadline
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2016
The disgruntled big man isn’t the only player Toronto is reported to be interested in, as former Raptor P.J. Tucker also appears to have caught their eye:
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ESPN sources say Toronto is among the teams expressing trade interest in Suns swingman P.J. Tucker in advance of the Feb. 18 trade deadline
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2016
If a draft pick is desired by the Suns, the Raptors do have a few picks at their disposal that could assist in acquiring either player. They will receive a first-round pick from either the New York Knicks or Denver Nuggets this season, depending on which is less desirable.
They also own their own first-round picks for the next couple years and the Los Angles Clippers first-round pick for next season. In terms of players that could be viewed as expendable, Terrence Ross, Patrick Patterson and James Johnson seem to appear to be the most likely to be moved in a potential deal.
With that being said, let’s look at some of the positives and negatives associated with both of these players.
Next: Positives of Markieff Morris