The Phoenix Suns have agreed to early extensions with forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris, the team announced on Monday. ESPN's Marc Stein reported late Sunday that deals for the twins were near. Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports that Markieff will earn $32 million over four years, while Marcus will take $20 million over four years. Both deals go into effect beginning with the 2015-16 season.
Marcus and Markieff Morris sign extensions with the Suns
Phoenix will keep its twins long-term after signing early extensions with the Morrisses.
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"We are excited to be able to extend the contracts of Marcus and Markieff," Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said in a press release. "They have had great success playing together at every level of basketball, including last season with the Suns. They have made great strides over the past year and we feel like they will continue to grow and improve. They are just entering their primes and we think they will play the best basketball of their careers over the course of the next five years."
The two players emerged as critical bench pieces during Phoenix’s surprising 48-win season last year. Markieff Morris became the first big man off the bench, averaging 14 points and six rebounds per game while shooting 49 percent from the field. He is expected to step into the starting lineup this year, replacing the departed Channing Frye. Marcus Morris averaged just under 10 points and four rebounds per contest last season.
Markieff Morris was always seen as the more valuable asset of the two because he’s the rare big man capable of defending his position and hitting perimeter jumpers. However, the brothers have always played better when paired together dating back to their days in college. Markieff was drafted by Phoenix in 2011, but struggled through his first two seasons. Marcus Morris was drafted by Houston one pick later, but he also fell in and out of the rotation in his first two years in Houston. Both players blossomed after the Suns traded a second-round pick to acquire Marcus last summer.
Thus, the Suns kept Markieff Morris at a good price while perhaps paying Marcus Morris a little more than he’d be worth on the open market.
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