Tyson Chandler going to the Phoenix Suns appeared to be a last minute effort from Phoenix to try to secure LaMarcus Aldridge’s services in the valley of the sun. Phoenix signed Chandler to a long-term deal and to further show their aggressive attack for LMA, they traded Marcus Morris away to the Detroit Pistons to ‘clear cap space‘.
The trade and signing didn’t sway Aldridge’s mind, he was all about San Antonio from the start and he ended up going there. So the Suns were left with an aging rim protector, who is also a wonderful locker room guy, and a roster that was put together when plan A fell through.
Markieff Morris has made it known on more than one occasion that he doesn’t want to be a part of this new plan going forward and he felt disrespected when his brother was traded. Markieff claims he wants out, Suns coach Jeff Hornacek says he’ll be ok and Phoenix management says they have no plans to deal him.
One of the newest members of the team is looking to brush away all the nonsense and talk and just get Markieff, one-on-one and talk to him about his future.
Following from Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.
Chandler has not been able to speak to Morris yet but he expects to do so soon. His message will focus on how Morris’ feelings toward General Manager Ryan McDonough, adviser and former President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby and Managing Partner Robert Sarver should have no bearing on his play or relationship with teammates and coaches.
“It’s not about them,” Chandler said. “That’s no offense to Ryan, the GM, or the owner. Players play for players and the coaches. You’ve got a bond. Management has nothing to do with anything that goes on when you’re on the court. That’s just my thoughts. I’m not saying this for anything against Keef either. He’s a man and he has to go through his own process. But he can be special and I know he will. I feel like all this stuff will be forgotten once we kick off and we’re having success.”
The best advice I can give to Tyson is, good luck.
Morris was fined by the NBA and he just ate it, didn’t mind it at all. Morris has stopped publicly speaking on the matter for now but it’s clear, he doesn’t want to be there.
Then again, Chandler most likely sees the possible pairing of Markieff and Tyson being a possible great duo going forward for the Suns. Tyson is a great defender and can protect the rim while Markieff hasn’t exactly been the best defender in recent years. Markieff can stretch the floor and do some dynamic things on offense while Chandler is limited to what he can do and he’s really only restricted to plays around the rim.
The pairing could be great but the road to getting Morris on a court with a Suns jersey on could be an issue for Phoenix.
