The New Orleans Pelicans are interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris, according to Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski and Shams Charania.
Pelicans interested in trading for Markieff Morris, per report
The 5-16 Pelicans have discussed trading for the disgruntled Morris and Ryan Anderson’s name has come up in trade talks.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Pelicans entered the season with high expectations under new head coach Alvin Gentry after a playoff berth last season. However, injuries and a league-worst defense have led to a disappointing 5-16 start that has the front office looking to make changes, with Ryan Anderson's name being mentioned in trade talks.
Likewise, Morris has gotten off to a rough start after a tumultuous offseason that featured legal issues and trade demands. Markieff and twin brother Marcus were charged with felony aggravated assault in late April, then Markieff demanded to be traded when Marcus was shipped to the Detroit Pistons as part of the Suns' pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge.
Phoenix hoped the relationship with Markieff could be saved, but the fact that he's played just seven minutes over the last two games (including one DNP-CD) could signal that the writing is on the wall. In addition to the Pelicans, the Houston Rockets have reportedly showed interest in the embattled forward, although the pending assault charges are an obstacle in any deal.
Why the Pelicans should trade for Morris
The Pelicans' brutal start has them in a spot where they may feel a shake-up is necessary and Morris is a talented player on a value contract (four years, $32 million). He averaged over 15 points and six rebounds while shooting nearly 47 percent last season and a change in scenery may motivate him to play more engaged basketball. Plus, a frontcourt featuring Anthony Davis and Morris would offer some intriguing possibilities given their skill sets.
Anderson is having a strong year with averages of 18 points and seven rebounds per game, but his defensive issues and impending free agency could make him expendable in the eyes of the Pelicans’ front office. If they’d rather not shell out big money to Anderson or they don’t think he’ll re-sign, moving him for a 26-year-old with three years left on a more affordable deal makes some sense.
Why the Pelicans shouldn’t trade for Morris
As good as Morris may be when focused, trading Anderson for him right now would be a panic move. Morris carries a lot of baggage and that’s not what a scuffling team trying to turn things around needs. Sure, he could turn things around on the court, but there are still the legal issues to worry about.
Plus, it’s not worth trading Anderson for a player who brings that kind of risk. New Orleans shouldn’t be in any hurry to deal Anderson given the fact that he’s been one of the team’s more consistent players and the Davis/Anderson duo has been successful in the past.
Even if the Pelicans are intent on trading Anderson, they should be smart about what kind of return they get. Morris doesn’t move the needle enough in the short or long term, and again, there’s that downside with his attitude and the legal problems.
Likelihood of trade
A Morris-for-Anderson swap wouldn’t be ideal for the Pelicans, but they may be desperate enough to pull the trigger given Markieff’s talent level and affordable contract. I give this a 4/10 chance of happening.
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