Should the Grizzlies go after disgruntled Suns forward Markieff Morris?

By foxsports
Published

Markieff Morris reportedly wants out in Phoenix. Could the Grizzlies be in a position to land him?

Jonah Jordan wonders at Grizzy Bear Blues:

Morris averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this past season. The Suns just traded his twin brother, Marcus, in a cap-clearing deal that proved unnecessary once LaMarcus Aldridge agreed to sign with the Spurs and not Suns. 

Still, that must have peeved the other Morris bro, and the Suns have shown a propensity during the Ryan McDonough era to treat players more like assets than people. That strategy can and has worked out for teams in the past (see: Houston Rockets), but you're bound to upset some people along the way. Maybe Markieff is one of those. 

(h/t Grizzly Bear Blues)

Morris without a doubt has problems. These comments are following a season where his play declined, he publicly criticized Suns' fans, was arrested along with his brother and was a walking technical foul. Everything came to a head when his brother, Marcus Morris, was traded to the Detroit Pistons.

The Suns forward wouldn't be the first player to come to Memphis and by result have his image improve. Surrounding Morris with veterans that have been in the same place he has been seems like the best option. Zach Randolph, Tony Allen and Matt Barnes have all been where Morris is now. Mike Conley, Courtney Lee and Marc Gasol are veterans with voices that could influence and help younger players.

Even though Morris struggled last season I think he could flourish for the Grizzlies. Coming off the bench he would be able to play in the front court with Gasol, Randolph or Brandon Wright. The Grizzlies would finally be able to go small and not get killed. it'd add another dimension the Grizzlies sorely need.