Wizards Get: Markieff Morris F

Suns Get: 1st round pick (WAS 2016*), Dajuan Blair F, Kris Humphries F

Wizards

There’s only one word to describe the Wizards season so far – disappointment.

The Wizards were the 5th seed last year, and one of the rising stars in the Eastern Conference. With youngsters John Wall and Bradley Beal leading the team, and only getting better, the Wizards were projected to be a serious contender for the 2nd seed in the East this year.

The Wizards have been marred by injuries, and currently sit outside of the playoffs, despite another great season from John Wall. One of the most frequent victims of the injury bug has been 33-year old power forward Nene, who also happens to be a free agent in the offseason.

By acquiring Morris, the Wizards infuse their frontcourt with much needed youth. Add in Markieff to the already promising core of Wall, Beal and Oubre, and the Wizards have a bright future.

Any character concerns should be attributed to a unique circumstance he faced in Phoenix’s unstable management environment. Before the malcontent stemming from the trade of his brother Marcus, it looked like Markieff was starting to develop into an all-star caliber player last year.

In Morris, the Wizards get a versatile 26-year old power forward who can create spacing whether involved in the pick-and-roll or playing off the ball. Best of all, he is locked up for the next three years at $8 million per year. Considering Markieff’s skill level and age, that is one of the best contracts in the NBA. Well worth the price of, what should be, a non-lottery first round pick.

The Wizards made one of the rare deadline deals that will help them this season and beyond. Expect the Wizards to make a push as a dangerous low seeded playoff team this year, with the addition of key piece to their young core.

Grade – A

Suns

After dealing Marcus in the offseason, the fate of Markieff was sealed. As described by Marcus, there was a feeling of betrayal after the twins had agreed to smaller contracts in order to remain together.

[via Bleacher Report]

“Everybody thinking that we’re upset because we don’t get to play with each other,” says Marcus, legs stretched in front of him after a Pistons practice in late January. “Kieff can’t deal with adversity? We’re from north Philadelphia. This isn’t adversity. This is betrayal.”

“What bothers me most are two things,” says Marcus. “I sat down with the owner and we agreed guys were going to get paid more, but they told us, ‘Don’t get upset, we’re a family, we’re helping each other.’ Everybody in this league is concerned about money. We were looking for stability and the chance to be part of something.”

Given the toxic situation, Markieff was a certainty to be dealt at the deadline. Considering their predicament, the first round pick was a solid pickup.

Of course, the Suns wouldn’t have been in this situation if their management was more competent.

Grade – C+

*2016 WAS 1st rounder protected 1-9 in 2016, 1-9 in 2017, 1-9 in 2018, 1-9 in 2019, 1-9 in 2020 and 1-9 in 2021 and unprotected in 2022