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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) sits the bench in the final second of their 110-89 loss to the Utah Jazz at vivint.SmartHome Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) sits the bench in the final second of their 110-89 loss to the Utah Jazz at vivint.SmartHome Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have had a disappointing season that has resulted in the firing of head coach Jeff Hornacek and two assistant coaches. Furthermore they have had two key injuries to guards Eric Bledsoe, who is out for the season, and Brandon Knight. But they have learned a lot about their team this season.

Young players such as Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin and T.J. Warren have all taken a step in their game and are improving. The loss of the two highest paid players to injury has allowed the Suns to develop their younger players, but what may be most telling is the situation with Markieff Morris and Tyson Chandler.

Related Story: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Landing Spots For Markieff Morris

Morris and Chandler are making $8 million and $13 million, respectively, this season. Both are signed through the 2018-19 season, and both have struggled this season and may not have a future in Phoenix. The problem is who will trade for a hothead in Morris and an aging Chandler who is owed $39 million over the next three years?

It will likely be easier to find a team willing to trade for Morris, but the Suns may have to package Chandler with him if they’re going to move him. The Suns are still trying to trade Morris before next Thursday’s deadline, according to the Arizona Republic’s Paul Coro.

Related Story: What Should The Phoenix Suns Do With Markieff Morris?

Morris’ hustle has come into question, and rightfully so. He doesn’t give a consistent effort on a daily basis, but when he does give an all-out effort he shows his full potential. That is where a team will value Morris.

The Suns don’t need to make a move just for the sake of making a move. Moving Morris should come with finding another power forward or center that fits in with what the Suns want to do. They have talented, young wing players and when healthy, two good starting options at either the point or shooting guard positions. Making a move needs to have a purpose for the Suns, but they need to do something.

Next: Address The Front Court