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Philadelphia 76ers: Make a Play or Stay for Trading Block Targets

By Jake Hyman

Nov 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris celebrates after a three pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris celebrates after a three pointer against the New Orleans Pelicans at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. PF Markieff Morris

2015-16 Stats (22 Games): 10.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 37.9%/34.0%(FG/3FG), 9.2 PER

Career (Five Seasons): 11.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.4%/32.9% (FG/3FG), 14.8 PER

Verdict: Make a Play

Markieff Morris has found himself in a precarious situation one year after being an intricate aspect to the Phoenix Suns’ long term plans. A prototypical stretch-4, Morris has been distraught since his twin brother Marcus was dealt to Detroit in July without notice.

As his play has suffered, his market value has decreased in correlating fashion. His contract, however, makes him an appealing play for either a contender or a team looking to buy in on the former first-round pick. Morris, per spotrac.com, is set to make $8 million per year after the 2015-16 season until the end of 2018-19.

That’s an enticing facet that Morris could bring to a club looking for controllable talent when the salary cap spikes after this season. With ample amounts of salary to be dished out, Philadelphia could look at Morris as a high-end role player who could mesh with their bigs.

He brings an already proven three-point arsenal, which is currently devoid in the games of both Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. Joel Embiid has shown the ability to sink triples in warmups, but as a talent unable to see game action, that trait has yet to be established.

Morris’ value is continuing to drop as his minutes sink in Phoenix, which gives teams leverage in deals. After the Suns 104-96 loss Wednesday night, the team suspended the frustrated Morris for two games for throwing a towel at head coach Jeff Hornacek, per Yahoo Sports Shams Charania. With a loaded cache of assets, the Sixers aren’t lacking the necessary pieces to land Morris.

Even with the arrival of Dario Saric next season, the Sixers could implement Morris into their rotation and flip him when his value ascends as a complementary starter to C Jahlil Okafor.

Next: The Cousins Conundrum