The Cleveland Cavaliers are being linked to a possible deal involving Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris, who is continuously being mentioned in trade rumors over the past several months.
According to Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com, the Cavaliers are interested in adding another stretch-four to serve as backup or insurance to Kevin Love in case the oft-injured power forward gets hurt again later in the season.
Morris fits the billing but Cavaliers officials are reportedly hesitant because making a move for the Suns forward could ruin their team chemistry. Haynes added, though, that if the Cavaliers players will be asked about their thoughts on adding Morris, most of them are open to the idea because they are serious in their title aspirations this season.
"Players believe he'd be a solid fit surrounded by LeBron James, James Jones and Richard Jefferson," Haynes wrote. "The players' interest in Morris shows how serious they are about winning, even if it means their numbers and minutes would be sacrificed."
The Cavaliers could absorb Morris and his $8 million salary using their $10.5 million trade exception and roster space they opened after they sent sophomore forward Joe Harris to the Orlando Magic. It should be noted that acquiring Morris will force the Cavaliers to spend around $195 million in salary and taxes.
Morris, who is playing in his fifth season in the league, is averaging just 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this season. His playing time is down to 22.8 minutes from 31.5 minutes per game last season. The 26-year-old also posted career-high averages of 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season.
Morris' role and playing time dwindled this season after he publicly demanded for a trade during the offseason after the Suns sent his twin brother -- Marcus -- to the Detroit Pistons. The former Kansas standout was also suspended earlier in the season for throwing a towel to Suns coach Jeff Hornacek.
Suns general manager Ryan McDonough told Arizona Sports on Thursday that no deal is imminent at this point but added that they could make moves in the coming weeks before the Feb. 18 deadline. When asked about Morris, McDonough said that Morris could finish the rest of the season in Phoenix.
"He has this year on his contract with three more years remaining," McDonough said. "There is time. We're under no pressure to do anything immediately."
