NBA Trade Rumors: Toronto Raptors Interested In Markieff Morris, P.J. Tucker
By Justin Rowan
When a talented player is available, there’s usually a reason
A quick look at Markieff Morris’ stats this season show you exactly what happens when he is disgruntled and unmotivated. The Phoenix Suns did not accommodate his trade request over the summer and he has been forced to come off the bench 13 times this season, after starting all 82 games last year.
He is averaging career-lows in field goal percentage, three-point percentage and his points per game average is the lowest since his sophomore year.
If you’re Toronto, you also worry that even at his best, he’s below average from beyond the arc. Which of course means he’s not the ideal stretch power forward for their lineup. On a team without a star, the Raptors chemistry is a driving force of why they’ve been successful this season.
Plus there’s the issue of cost:
Given Suns have continued to hold out for quality pick or player for disgruntled Markieff Morris, expect them to seek nice pick for Tucker
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 3, 2016
It is unlikely that the Raptors would be willing to surrender any of their core players in exchange for Morris. Unless Phoenix views the enigmatic Terrence Ross as a quality player that they would desire in addition to a draft pick, I’m not sure the teams are likely to come to an agreement.
With Denver struggling and the Knicks on the verge of a playoff berth, it’s far more likely that Toronto will receive the Knicks first-round pick, which is unlikely to be the best pitch possible for Morris.
So that brings us to the next part of this report …
Next: Positives of P.J. Tucker