As the trade deadline nears, the NBA experts talk about who will be the first player to actually change jerseys.
In a recent NBA.com discussion, Markieff Morris bested other players on the block because of the dismal situation of the Phoenix Suns.
Fran Blinebury stated his case. "Markieff Morris. If you're cleaning house, you might as well sweep into every corner and get rid of all the unhappy pieces."
Shaun Powell took a look around the block and assessed why Keef leaves first.
"I'll take Markieff Morris, even though the Suns might not have much leverage, since everyone knows Phoenix wants to dump him," Powell said. "I have my doubts about the perceived demand for Rudy Gay, the asking price for Teague could be too steep (ditto for Ryan Anderson) and the best chance Kevin Martin is moved is if he's a throw-in since he's well past his prime."
Most important point was from Sekou Smith, where he noted that the Suns actually did some "direct selling" to the team north of the border.
"Markieff Morris," responded Smith. "You saw him on display in Tuesday night's loss to Toronto, when he made the most out being inserted into the starting lineup and reminded everyone just how devastating a scoring and rebounding stretch big man he can be. The Suns would be wise to continue to showcase him in the lead up to the trade deadline. And I suspect there are plenty of teams interested in adding a player with his, skill, range and brute force to their mix just in time for the playoffs."
Morris has mentioned Toronto all the way back in his initial trade demand in the summer. He is still a good fit especially since the Raptors seem playoff bound. Raptors Republic notes the feeling is mutual.
The possible package centers on Patrick Patterson, but the Suns would probably be more interested in a draft pick.