The trade deadline is less than a month away and the Lakers still have forward issues, could Markieff Morris fit the mold?
Barring the move that brought over Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers, the last time the Los Angeles Lakers actually pulled the trigger on a trade was in 2014, in the deal that brought over Jeremy Lin and the pick that eventually became Larry Nance Jr from the Houston Rockets.
Their lack of transactions becomes even more frustrating when you consider their once renowned prowess for acquiring big names through trades in order to prolong relevance.
Bringing over the likes of Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard, even Steve Nash, to name a few, what has happened to the Lakers once special bargaining ability? In recent years despite placing players on the trade block, Los Angeles has failed to make a substantial move (see Pau Gasol).
Recently revealing that Roy Hibbert, Brandon Bass and Nick Young were all available for trade, the Lakers can’t afford to strike out at another trade deadline. When it comes to this season, a blockbuster is unlikely, but the Lakers could use what they have to build for a better tomorrow and Markieff Morris could be a piece that helps their cause.
The Lakers haven’t been involved in any of the rumors regarding Morris, but that could actually be a good thing, seeing that when the Lakers actually make moves, instead of just talking about them, it’s hardly in the news prior to happening.
A possible trade could look as follows:
Next: Why It Makes Sense For Phoenix
Why It Makes Sense For Phoenix
When the Phoenix Suns went back on their word and shipped Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons, Markieff didn’t shy away from letting his feelings be known to the public about how he felt about the Suns.
My future will not be in Phoenix.... #thatisall #backtothegrind #FOE
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) September 4, 2015
However, despite tensions seeming to calm down in Arizona as of late, the report that detailed Brandon Bass’ likely departure from the Lakers before the deadline, also mentioned that the Phoenix Suns were still willing to part with Morris. That said, they supposedly aren’t willing to accept low ball offers just because teams know they want him moved.
"Sources close to the Suns say that they are not going to make a bad deal just to force Morris off the roster, but as the deadline gets closer there is an increasing sense around the league that Phoenix might blink on a deal just to remove the problem from their equation."
While Markieff was the more effective Morris twin while both were on the Suns, it is actually Marcus who’s having a the better year with the Pistons. Despite starting the season strong, after being hit hard by the injury bug, the Suns currently find themselves in a similar position as the Lakers. At 13-31, does winning games now really help?
The Suns could not only use bodies but also veteran guidance at nearly every position, which is great because the Lakers have nearly every position up for grabs. The Suns currently have seven players on their injury report, four of which are guards, which makes the Nick Young acquisition a no brainer. He will not only provide a healthy body but immediate offense whether it be off the bench or in the starting unit.
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After Eric Bledsoe‘s season ending injury, the Suns have struggled heavily to score the basketball, ranking 27th overall just two spots above the Lakers, which is a shame because to start the season the Bledsoe-Brandon Knight pairing was actually fun to watch. Regardless, Young could be a welcomed asset in Arizona.
More over, the main draw would be Brandon Bass who recently had his best game for the Lakers, showing the potential of what he could do if placed in the right situation. Tyson Chandler is just a shell of his former self, so having Bass to back him up or play alongside him would also be beneficial to the Suns.
Phoenix is currently a young, rebuilding team and could use the veteran guidance of Young but more so Brandon Bass, who has been more than professional this year. Further, Phoenix would benefit most from this trade from addition by subtraction, finally getting Morris out of their hair, enabling them to look towards the future.
Next: Why It Makes Sense For LA
Why It Makes Sense For LA
The Lakers are still extremely thin at the small forward position and despite having Anthony Brown and pipe dreams of Kevin Durant coming to LA in the offseason, Markieff Morris seems like a viable option that the Lakers should be considering.
While Morris isn’t necessarily a small forward, he certainly has the capability to play three and four which is something the Lakers currently lack. This is to say, they have power forwards who have the skill set to play center if need be, but would struggle mightily if required to play three. Morris has no such problem.
At 6’10”, Markieff has the versatility to bang on the inside, as well as the shot and dribbling skills to work on the perimeter. The Lakers would not only benefit from what he brings to the offensive side of the ball, but mostly from how he’d help the defense.
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Seeing that Lakers current defensive scheme is switch heavy, he provides the perfect three man, as he won’t get bullied by power forwards because that’s his original position, but also has the lateral quickness to stay with perimeter players.
Considering his impressive production last season, it seems that the biggest thing that could help Markieff get out of his slump is a change of scenery, something the Lakers should be more than willing to accommodate.
While unlikely, if the Lakers could also get a pick back, more than likely in the form of a second rounder, that would be even more ideal.
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Markieff Morris’ trade value is at an all time low, so the Lakers would be wise to try and get everything possible in a deal with their once heated rivals.