3. Phoenix Suns
There’s only so much times you can beat a dead horse…
Markieff Morris just does not want to play in Phoenix anymore. He really doesn’t care to hide that fact, much to the detriment of the Suns organization. Someone that malcontented is a cancer to the locker room, which partially explains the Suns’ 14-34 record. Yet Phoenix chooses to hold him against his will… Curious.
The Deal:
I’ve covered this scenario several times before, so I’ll keep it brief. Markieff wants out of Phoenix, Patterson is a loyal team guy looking to have a breakout season. Markieff is a burly power forward who can stretch the floor with a few well timed 3 pointers, Patterson is a stretch-4 who’s gaining his defensive chops. Both players have 4 years of experience. Both players have great upside. One will just play anywhere and the other will play anywhere but where he is.
Any questions?
The likelihood of this deal might be questionable. On one hand, both sides win. Patterson comes from a system and culture of winning basketball, while Morris wants to win so bad. Yet, it’s rumoured that Phoenix is holding out to pry DeMarcus Cousins from Sacramento, which I find highly unlikely. Should the Raptors dangle a draft pick, it’s conceivable that this deal would be a no brainer for Masai.
Probability of Trade: 7.5 of 10
Next: I Believe In Masai!