Markieff Morris has been the subject of several NBA trade rumors since July. His twin brother has already been shipped to Detroit Pistons for Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger and he no longer want to stay at Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix said it will not honor Markieff's demand to be released but an NBA trade rumor from Yibada News claimed discussion between Suns and Houston Rockets is already ongoing. The website also said Phoenix's stance on Morris saga is softening.
"Reports are out that the Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets are close in reaching an agreement to swap young power forwards Markieff Morris and Terrence Jones in a one-on-one move with the league's salary cap and luxury tax rules as the only alleged hindrances in getting the deal done.
The two teams were said to be currently working their way around the cap and tax threshold and could possibly include a third team in the transaction.
The Suns knew that they have nothing more to gain in trying to keep Morris in Phoenix, even if he is arguably the best player in their current lineup. Having an unhappy player is worse than developing a raw rookie, but still management would like to maximize what they could get in return for the 25-year-old stretch four."
On Aug. 31, the Arizona Republic's Paul Coro wrote Phoenix Suns dropped a blow for all NBA trade rumors concerning Markieff Morris. Citing insiders, Coro said Suns are committed to keeping the 6'10 power forward.
"It would be ideal for Knight to spend September working with his starting power forward but a Morris early arrival is about as likely as a fulfillment of his trade wish.
The Suns need and want Morris. They would not stand much of a chance to replace him by trade. They would have no chance to replace him by free agency. They do not have an adequate existing roster option."
Coro also wrote that Markieff Morris is expected to report to training camp despite the misunderstanding on Sept. 28.
