When a picture surfaced on social media this week of Markieff Morris appearing to work out with an exclusive group of Houston Rockets, we quickly speculated on what it could mean for the 26-year-old’s future with the Phoenix Suns.
Now, Markieff has taken to Twitter to ensure that there’s no misunderstanding.
My future will not be in Phoenix…. #thatisall #backtothegrind #FOE
— Keef Morris (@Keefmorris) September 4, 2015
It’s hard to be more direct than that.
That said, it’s doubtful Morris will get his wish anytime soon. Despite his anger over Phoenix trading his twin brother, Marcus, earlier this offseason, the Suns have already leaked to local reporters that they don’t plan on trading their incumbent power forward. Additionally, as we explained Wednesday, it doesn’t really make sense for them to deal Morris prior to Dec. 15 — when the pool of potential offers becomes much deeper with the possible inclusion of players who signed new contracts this offseason.
For now, it appears Morris will have to swallow his pride and get ready to report to Phoenix’s training camp in a matter of weeks. After all, he’s signed through 2019 and has little traditional leverage.
But social media could represent a new paradigm for player-team negotiations, and it appears Morris is willing to use every tool at his disposal to force his way out of Phoenix. Stay tuned!
Ben DuBose is a veteran sports reporter who has followed the Houston Rockets and the NBA since Hakeem Olajuwon was Akeem Olajuwon. He writes for both SheridanHoops and ClutchFans, an independent Rockets blog. You can follow him on Twitter.