After a long stalemate between NBA teams waiting for the first shoe to drop with the deadline looming, we finally have some trade movement. The Houston Rockets have traded forward Marcus Morris to the Phoenix Suns for a future second-round pick, Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski reports.
Marcus Morris traded to Phoenix Suns for future second-round pick
The Rockets have decided to part with one of their young power forwards.
Thomas Campbell-US PRESSWIRE
It seemed more than apparent Morris would be dealt soon after he was declared unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Thunder. When asked why the team did this, coach Kevin McHale said to ask GM Daryl Morey.
Shortly afterwards, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that Houston had two separate deals prepared and they held Morris out as a precaution as they decided between which deal they preferred. About an hour later, the deal was reported.
Morris has been much improved this season, showcasing a versatile skill set in Houston after a rather underwhelming rookie season. Through 54 games, he is averaging 8.6 points and 6.8 rebounds on 42.8 percent shooting and 38.1 percent from behind the arc.
The Rockets have a bit of a logjam at power forward, having a stockpile of young big men, including Terrence Jones, Thomas Robinson (traded for Patrick Patterson and other tonight) and Donatas Motiejunas, not to mention Royce White, who finally came to an agreement with the organization and is playing in the D-League. Moving Morris permits Houston to spread the minutes out some more to see what else the others can contribute.
But most importantly, this reunites the Morris brothers, as Marcus joins Markieff on the Suns.
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