Report: Rockets 'seriously discussed' swapping Brewer, Jones for Suns' Morris
They are two of the worst-kept secrets in the NBA: The struggling Houston Rockets are looking to make a trade, and the Phoenix Suns are hoping to part ways with Markieff Morris.
The framework for a deal that would send Morris to the Rockets, as relayed by ESPN's Marc Stein, would see Houston send Corey Brewer and Terrence Jones to Phoenix in return for the mercurial forward.
Stein says that trade has been "seriously discussed," and that the teams could "get that deal done."
The only impediment to making the trade right now is that Brewer isn't eligible to be traded until Jan. 15, because the Rockets signed him to an extension that included a raise of over 20 percent.
But this potential deal would appear to make plenty of sense for both teams.
Houston would land a long-term, cost-controlled option at power forward. Morris has three seasons remaining on his four-year, $32-million deal - a bargain in the escalating cap era.
Related: Suns in no-win situation after fallout with Markieff Morris
As for the Suns, they would receive a young, versatile forward in Jones, and a dependable two-way wing in Brewer. Most importantly, they would rid themselves of the disgruntled Morris, who has twice vocalized his desire to be traded.
But there would also appear to be some downside for both teams.
Morris is averaging career lows in field-goal percentage (38.6), 3-point percentage (27.9), and has drawn four straight DNP-CDs. He's also currently facing assault charges in an ongoing case.
For Phoenix, Jones has a lengthy track record of injuries, and could quickly become expensive as he's a restricted free agent next summer.
The bigger impediment to the deal could come from a third party. Morris' situation in Phoenix is quickly bordering on untenable, and waiting another month to deal him might not be possible for the Suns - especially since the New Orleans Pelicans have also reportedly shown interest in Morris.
Either way, it seems that something has to give: Morris' time in Phoenix is quickly expiring, and the Rockets likely won't stand pat for much longer.