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Markieff Morris is demanding a trade from the Phoenix Suns due to what he considers disrespect following the team's decision to trade twin brother Marcus Morris to the Detroit Pistons.
With this development, it is fair to ask if it makes sense for the Pistons to try and pry the disgruntled Markieff away from the Suns so he could re-join his brother once again.
Because it seems like the Suns have to do something as Markieff is pissed, and he probably isn't worth the headaches at this point.
Markieff, who hasn't said much publically following the surprise trade of Marcus in July unloaded to the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"One thing is for sure, I'm not going to be there," Morris said, according to Inquirer reporter Keith Pompey. The Morris twins are from Philadelphia and have spent the offseason there working out.
Later on in the article, Markieff is quoted as saying, "I've got to show up. No question. ... I will be professional. Don't get me wrong
"But it won't get that far. ... I'm going to be out before then, should be."
The Pistons were able to pilfer Marcus along with Reggie Bullock and Danny Granger from the Suns for a 2020 second-round pick as the Suns were unloading salary in an ultimately futile pursuit of LaMarcus Aldridge, who eventually signed with the Spurs.
At the time of the trade, there was speculation that trading one of the previously inseparable twins would eventually lead to a Markieff trade. We even joked about it on Twitter:
Pistons are just playing the long game ... Markieff will force his way to Detroit soon, right?
— Detroit Bad Boys ☠ (@detroitbadboys) July 2, 2015
Still, does that mean the Pistons would be wise to trade for the other half of the wonder twins?
Markieff is actually the more talented of the two, and he profiles as a very Stan Van Gundy-esque versatile talent at the power forward position. Currently, that spot is being reserved for Ersan Ilyasova. But Ersan has an injury history that is worrisome and his contract is only minimally guaranteed next season.
On the other hand, if you're worried about Ilyasova's penchant for injury keeping him off the court, you should be doubly worried about Markieff and Marcus keeping themselves off the court.
Not only are both facing assault charges, but on the court the duo have a history of technical fouls, blowing up at their coach and losing their cool at inopportune times.
The last time the Pistons traded for a Philly native with a blazing hot temper that could defend power forwards and hit the 3-ball it was this guy, who also happens to be a hero to the Morris twins:
Philly legend ... Yall know what time it is #foe pic.twitter.com/6UlgESuQLU
— Marcus Morris (@MookMorris2) July 15, 2015
But the Pistons could only bring on a player like Sheed because they had the kind of leaders to keep him in check, and the team was working toward a championship, which even Rasheed Wallace could get behind.
Let's just say that Andre Drummond, Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are no Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton, respectively.
Markieff is a knucklehead, and worse than that, he, along with his brother, is a hot head.
The prevailing wisdom was that the Suns traded one of the Morri not only to chase Aldridge, but because keeping them together wasn't an option. The team reportedly believed that the two bring out the worst in each other, and if they had any hope in salvaging the promising career of Markieff then Marcus had to go.
Markieff, however, doesn't appear interested in rehabilitating his image, not in Phoenix, anyway.
Instead he wants a trade. And with his very vocal demands he has just about destroyed any leverage that the Suns have. That means they either keep him on the team until his value returns or they sell him for pennies on the dollar.
If Detroit were able to swing a trade, they have a couple salaries that match up nicely. Ilyasova makes $7.9 million compared to Morris's $8 million. Brandon Jennings, entering the final year of his deal, makes $8.3 million.
What should the Pistons do, Pistons fans? Swing for the fences and risk bringing in a talented and unstable element into the mix or leave well enough alone and see how far Ilyasova can take them?
Now your thoughts.