The Morris twins were split up in July when the Phoenix Suns traded Marcus Morris to Detroit in efforts to pursue LaMarcus Aldridge in free agency. Markieff Morris, who is still with the Suns despite recent reports of an imminent trade and his displeasure with the organization, although now he’s singing a different tune.
Could the twins reunite in the future? Detroit Free Press writer Vince Ellis did a live chat with readers on Tuesday and answered a particular question about the Pistons’ potential trade targets this season. Markieff Morris came up.
That’s a tough one. I think the Pistons will field the best team they’ve had during this playoff drought. But with the Eastern Conference getting better, will that be enough to snap the longest streak of not making the playoffs in the conference? Right now, I’m leaning toward no. So I will guess 35, 36 wins – just missing the playoffs. I reserve the right to change my mind before the season opener. I will guess Brandon Jennings is traded. For who? No way even guessing that, although I gather the Pistons are monitoring the Markieff Morris situation in Phoenix. There is interest there.
Markieff’s brother Marcus, now of course with the Pistons, claimed that his brother wouldn’t be in Phoenix for much longer. Not only could he end up right, but per Ellis’ response, he could even help encourage Detroit to make a trade for his brother during the season.
Ellis put Brandon Jennings out there as possible trade bait. Pistons head coach Stan Van Gundy admitted he’s unsure about what role to assign Jennings with this team. Pursuing Morris would mean another stretch forward for Van Gundy, which are much needed and highly useful assets in his system. Markieff has moved on from demanding a trade out of Phoenix (maybe Tyson Chandler got through to him) and so the Pistons, just like anyone else who may be interested, can only do as Ellis said and monitor Morris’ status as well as Phoenix’s willingness to engage in trade talks as the season progresses.
