Pelton: A first-round pick for Morris would be ‘an enormous victory’
Feb 16, 2016, 8:51 PM | Updated: Feb 17, 2016, 11:41 am
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
As the trade deadline gets closer, information is beginning to trickle out regarding the Phoenix Suns’ situation with Markieff Morris.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reported Monday that the Suns were seeking out a first-round pick and a younger player in exchange for Morris.
That represents a change in the reports from earlier in the season that had the Suns needing to include a player like Archie Goodwin in order for a team to take Morris.
Markieff's trade value is to the point that other teams are asking an asset — Goodwin, for instance — in exchange for taking him.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) December 24, 2015
While that might still be the case, USA TODAY’s Sam Amick reports that the first-round pick for a deal including Morris “are there.”
Suns still determined to get a young player & a 1st in return for Markieff Morris. To this point, firsts are there but not appealing player.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) February 17, 2016
ESPN.com’s Kevin Pelton joined Burns & Gambo on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Tuesday and said the Suns getting a first-round pick for Morris would be a win.
“If they were to get a first-round pick it would be an enormous victory and a really lucky conclusion to this,” Pelton said.
As for how realistic a first-round pick and a young player in return is, Pelton does not see that being likely.
“I can’t see anyone giving up that much value, taking that kind of risk right now,” Pelton said.
Since interim coach Earl Watson took over, Morris is averaging 20.6 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game and 4.6 assists per game on 44.8 percent shooting from the field.
The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18 at 1 p.m.