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Chandler thinks Suns, Morris can settle differences

Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

After 14 seasons in the NBA, Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler knows a thing or two about personnel disputes.

The squabble between Markieff Morris and the Suns is no big deal to Chandler, who firmly believes Morris can patch things up with the front office.

"Sometimes, organizations and players go through hiccups like this," Chandler told Paul Coro of AZ Central. "I think all of this can be worked out and I think it will be worked out. I think (Morris) is going to have a bright future with the Phoenix Suns."

Morris is unhappy with the Suns' handling of his twin brother Marcus Morris, and has twice voiced his demands to be traded, which earned him a $10,000 fine from the league. To make matters worse for Morris, the Suns have no intention of trading him for pennies on the dollar.

Related: Suns in no-win situation after fallout with Markieff Morris

Chandler hasn't yet spoken personally to Morris, but his advice is simple: don't focus on the front office.

"It's not about them. That's no offense to Ryan (McDonough), the GM, or the owner. Players play for players and the coaches. You've got a bond," Chandler said. "Management has nothing to do with anything that goes on when you're on the court. That's just my thoughts.

"I'm not saying this for anything against Keef either. He's a man and he has to go through his own process. But he can be special and I know he will. I feel like all this stuff will be forgotten once we kick off and we're having success."

As Chandler notes, the Suns have a decent chance of finding success if they can maximize the talent on their roster. They signed Chandler to anchor the paint, re-signed promising combo guard Brandon Knight, and made a number of shrewd low-cost additions this summer.

The end result could see Phoenix snap its five-year losing streak.

But all this is contingent upon Morris. He's a vital piece of Phoenix's roster and its only viable option to start at power forward. Without him, the Suns' outlook isn't nearly as sunny.

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