The Houston Rockets are rumored to be interested in the mercurial Markieff Morris of the Phoenix Suns, but the idea is a contentious one. We’ll explore why.
The Phoenix Suns have a problem on their hands, and it goes by the name of Markieff Morris. Disgruntled ever since his twin brother Marcus Morris was traded by the Suns to the Detroit Pistons in July in what was essentially a salary dump when Phoenix was in pursuit of prized free agent LaMarcus Aldridge this offseason, Markieff demanded a trade early on.
In an interview with Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer back on Aug. 13, Markieff expressed his displeasure with the Suns organization and his wish to get out of town:
"“One thing for sure, I am not going to be there,” Morris said Tuesday after a morning workout at Competitive Edge Sports in King of Prussia.“If you want to put that out there, you can put that out. ” he added. “I don’t give a [freak]. I am not going to be there at all. That’s just what it is.”In September 2014, Morris signed a four-year, $32 million contract extension that kicks in this season. His brother signed a four-year, $20 million extension. The two settled for less money than they would have received as free agents in order to remain teammates.If Markieff Morris refuses to play, the 6-foot-10, 245-pounder knows that the Suns can suspend him without pay if they’re unwilling to release or trade him. He is scheduled to report to training camp at the end of September.“I’ve got to show up. No question.” said Markieff Morris, who is scheduled to make $8 million this season. “You can’t do that. I will be a professional. Don’t get me wrong.“But it won’t get that far. … I’m going to be out before then, should be.”"