The tension between the Phoenix Suns organization and Markieff Morris continues to get uglier if that is even possible.
Morris spoke with Philly.com and openly saying he will not return to Phoenix next season.
“One thing for sure, I am not going to be there,” Morris said Tuesday after a morning workout at Competitive Edge Sports in King of Prussia.
“If you want to put that out there, you can put that out,” he added. “. . . I am not to going to be there at all.”
Morris clearly states he won’t hold out until he’s moved to another team.
“I’ve got to show up. No question.” said Morris, who is scheduled to make $8 million this season. “You can’t do that. I will be a professional. Don’t get me wrong.“But it won’t get that far. . . . I’m going to be out before then, should be.”
The Philly native was clearly hurt by his twin brother being moved to Detroit, not to mention his current base salary of $8 million per year is one of the NBA’s best bargains for Morris’ skill set.
Markieff loved playing with his brother and after Marcus was dealt, that bargain contract became a the final straw for Markieff to want out of Phoenix.
The Suns can ill afford to lose the former Jayhawk, who averaged a career high 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds in just under 32 minutes a game last season. At 6’10, Morris is an athletic big who can post and shoot from the perimeter extending to three point line and beyond.
Not to mention he’s a physical player on both ends, that physicalness also led to him leading the NBA in technicals last season.
The Suns need to resolve this situation with their unhappy star forward or cut their losses and deal Morris as he wishes.
