NBA Trade Deadline: Biggest Winners from a Quiet Day
Washington Wizards
The worst kept secret in the NBA was that the Phoenix Suns planned to trade embattled power forward Markieff Morris. Morris, who’s viewed as a very affordable option given his skill set and $8 million per season base salary, wore out his welcome in Phoenix with off-the-court antics and a seemingly abrasive relationship with his coaches and teammates.
The Washington Wizards capitalized on the situation by acquiring Morris from the Suns.
Phoenix has traded Markieff Morris to the Wizards, reports @ShamsCharania and @WojVerticalNBA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 18, 2016
Per Paul Coro of The Arizona Republic, the compensation will be a protected first-round draft pick.
The Suns traded Markieff Morris to the Wizards for a protected 2016 first-round draft pick. It is protected Nos. 1-9.
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) February 18, 2016
It’s a risky move for the Wizards, but John Wall is playing at a superstar level in 2015-16—something that cannot be wasted.
Washington is currently 23-28, which is a much better record than this team should have. Bradley Beal has missed 21 games, Nene Hilario has been absent for 23, Marcin Gortat was sidelined for six, and Otto Porter Jr. spent seven games riding the pine.
Throw in Gary Neal, who sat for 11 outings due to injury, and that means every starter not named John Wall, as well as the sixth man, has missed at least six games in 2015-16.
Even with a healthy roster, the Wizards’ starting interior lacks athleticism. By adding Morris to the mix, Washington receives a player who’s explosive at the rim, agile in the post, and skilled enough to space the floor with his jump shot.
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Washington is gambling on Morris, but that’s exactly what it needed to do. Piling up lottery picks only appeals for so long.