NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Markieff Morris, JaVale McGee and More
Not to be lost in the shuffle between baseball's pennant race and the beginning of football's preseason, the NBA, though quiet for now, still has plenty of storylines brewing in its offseason.
With franchises trying to concoct the perfect combination of players to brew a championship team, rumors continue to swirl around a number of players and teams that are on the verge of changing their look.
Markieff Morris
It's been a little over five weeks since Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris saw his twin brother Marcus get traded to the Detroit Pistons. And now it looks like Markieff wants out, and it isn't pretty, according to the Burns and Gambo Show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM:
This comes after Morris started all 82 games in the 2014-15 season; it was the first time in his career that he started more than 32 games. Entering his fifth year in the league, he seems to be developing into a legitimate star after averaging 15.3 points per game and 6.2 rebounds last year.
But his latest actions have all but doomed his time in Phoenix. It's one thing to shut out the staff of the team you're playing for, but it's another to ignore teammates—those closest to you who suffer the same highs and lows on the court.
To top things off, Morris went on record saying that "one thing for sure, I am not going to be there" to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. "If you want to put that out there, you can put that out...I am not to going to be there at all."
The trade of his brother could have Morris feeling betrayed after they both signed four-year contracts with Phoenix in September 2014. Markieff received $32 million, while his brother got $20 million.
Off-the-court issues could have been the motive to deal at least Marcus. The twins were indicted on aggravated assault charges at the end of April, according to Randy Hill of FoxSports.com. This could mean that both players would miss a considerable amount of time and might make Markieff a risky player to try to deal for.
However, the Suns have no other option but to try to trade him after his latest actions, though it's doubtful they would get an even return. Teams won't give up some of their top talent for a player who exudes these kinds of problems. Keeping Morris will only prove to be a detriment in the Phoenix locker room and handcuff a franchise that is trying to become a contender in the Western Conference.
JaVale McGee
Former Wizards, Nuggets and 76ers center JaVale McGee has not seen much of the NBA hardwood in the past two seasons.
Battling serious leg injuries, McGee has appeared in just 28 games since the beginning of the 2013-14 season. After he was dealt to the 76ers last season, Philadelphia bought out his contract after he appeared in just five games, which made him a free agent after the 2014-15 season.
While becoming healthy has been his top priority, McGee is still generating some interest despite his injury troubles, according to Basketball Insiders' Alex Kennedy:
McGee has been linked to Dallas for quite some time now. As reported by ESPN's Marc Stein, both parties expressed mutual interest as early as July 13.
A rebuilding Mavericks team that lost out on DeAndre Jordan after he backed out of an agreement with the team is still in search of a bona fide No. 1 center. While McGee's health rules him out as the answer, Dallas would have the option to address the center position by committee.
According to ESPN.com, the Mavericks have four centers listed on their current roster, with Zaza Pachulia taking over the starting responsibilities. Pachulia has put up similar numbers to McGee in his career, averaging 7.0 points per game and 5.6 rebounds.
An athletic center like McGee who moves well down low could thrive in a Mavericks offense that is not short of playmakers after acquiring guards Deron Williams and Wesley Matthews earlier in the offseason.
If he chooses to play for the Lakers, McGee would be coming off the bench behind Roy Hibbert but would provide much-needed depth to the position. He's a significant upgrade over Robert Sacre and Tarik Black, two young, unproven centers who have not averaged more than 6.0 points in a season.
No matter where he winds up, McGee will not simply hit the ground running with his new side. He will need to build up his game back to a professional level, and only then will he see his minutes increase.
But if the price is right, McGee could be a low-risk, high-reward signing who has the capability of being an explosive center if he stays sharp both physically and mentally.
It seems doubtful that point guard Jason Terry is going to be playing in Houston any time soon. According to Fox 26's Mark Berman, a new suitor has come into play for the veteran:
Both sides will be coveting Terry's signature, as his presence could provide depth at the position.
The Rockets are rolling toward the 2015 season with newly acquired Ty Lawson and backup Patrick Beverley. With Lawson's off-the-court issues and Beverley having played no more than 56 games in his first three seasons in the league, a third point guard is a necessity.
On the other hand, New Orleans has regular starter Tyreke Evans and backup Jrue Holiday, who have appeared in a combined 74 games over the past two seasons.
Things will look much better for the Pelicans if they are able to re-sign Norris Cole, who is testing the free-agency waters. According to Fox Sports' Sam Amico though, Cole isn't going anywhere:
Terry's signature could mean less reliance on Holiday, who is capable of putting up more than 14 points and six assists per night if he can stay healthy. But ankle problems have clouded the situation, as Jim Eichenhofer of Pelicans.com reported issues with Holiday's healing process back in January.
The 38-year-old Terry averaged 15 or more points from 2000 to 2012 with Dallas but has seen a decrease in playing time in Boston, Brooklyn and Houston. Nevertheless, he still provides a veteran presence with the ability to shoot from range at the point guard position. He also offers the kind of personality in the locker room and on the floor that will always support his teammates while finding its way into the heads of the opposition.
But at his age, his role will be limited, sacrificing minutes to the younger players who are higher up on the depth chart.
