Report: Rockets have engaged in trade talks involving Terrence Jones
Mired in a 12-13 start to the season after a Western Conference finals appearance last spring, it's no surprise that the Houston Rockets are reportedly looking to shake things up.
And according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins, that shakeup could include Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris - a player the Rockets have reportedly expressed interest in for over a week.
In addition, Watkins reports that while Rockets officials would like to keep Terrence Jones around, Houston has engaged in trade discussions with several teams about the 23-year-old power forward.
Those discussions could theoretically intensify as of Tuesday.
While nothing has prevented the Rockets, or any other team, from making a trade up to this point, Dec. 15 usually marks the unofficial beginning of trade season in the NBA because it's the first day that free agents who signed in the offseason can be dealt, thereby opening up more potential trading partners for willing teams.
As for Morris - who the Pelicans are also reportedly interested in - he was fined by the Suns for publicly demanding a trade during the offseason, after Phoenix traded twin brother Marcus.
Morris, in the first year of a four-year, $32-million contract, has averaged a disappointing 11.4 points and 5.2 rebounds on a 39-28-73 shooting line in 25 minutes per game this season.
Jones, once thought to be Houston's power forward of the future, is averaging 10.1 points and 5.2 rebounds on a career-worst true shooting percentage of 50.5. The 23-year-old showed signs of growth as a potential stretch-four over his first three seasons in the Association, but missed half of last season with nerve inflammation in his left leg that he feared may end his career. He then missed time in March with another frightening health concern after suffering a collapsed lung, and has missed time this season due to an eye injury.
Jones, the 18th overall pick in the 2012 draft, will be a restricted free agent come July.
For what it's worth, the large difference in salaries owed to Morris and Jones means they can't be traded for each other in a one-for-one swap.