PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 04: Markieff Morris #11 of the Phoenix Suns takes a free throw shot against the Sacramento Kings during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 4, 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
It was only a matter of time before the Phoenix Suns traded Markeiff Morris. Morris had been upset with the Suns ever since they traded his twin brother, Marcus to the Detroit Pistons in the offseason.
Following the best year of his career last season, in which he averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, Morris has played well despite numerous controversies this season. He is putting up 11.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game.
Morris was suspended in December for throwing a towel at then-coach Jeff Hornacek during a timeout, and just last week, he and Suns’ guard Archie Goodwin got into a shoving match.
Morris spoke to reporters while on his way out of the Suns’ arena yesterday. “I had a couple great years in Phoenix, man,” the fifth year Kansas product said. “Just ready to move on. My time here was great and I thank the organization for giving me a chance to play here and drafting me. I’m just ready for this new environment in Washington.”
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Morris’ trade stock was low due to his locker room issues, but he has stepped up in recent games, averaging 20.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in the last five games.
Wizards’ general manager Ernie Grunfield showed little concern for how Morris fits into the Washington culture.
“We needed someone who will play with a little bit of a chip on his shoulder and has something to prove,” Grunfeld said. “And I think after speaking to him this afternoon, he’s that type of player.”
The Wizards (24-28) are currently chasing a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, they sit in 10th place and are 2.5 games back of the 8th place Chicago Bulls. Their next game is tonight a 7:00 as they host the Pistons (27-27).
The Suns, meanwhile are in the midst of a disastrous season. After starting the season 7-5, they have gone just 7-35 since November 20. Phoenix received forwards Kris Humphries, DeJuan Blair and a top-9 protected first round pick in this year’s draft. They will host the Houston Rockets (27-28), who are in their own tumultuous season, tonight at 9:30.
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