Although it may feel like most of the NBA's big moves have already happened with almost all of the top free agents having signed with teams, there could be more significant transactions on the horizon in the form of trades.
As organizations shape their rosters and prepare for the 2015-16 season, it is inevitable that they ruffle some feathers along the way. That has led to some tension between certain players and their teams, and it could very well result in some trades as well.
With the regular season now just a couple of months away, here is a rundown of the latest trade rumors making the rounds within NBA circles.
Markieff Morris
Phoenix Suns big man Markieff Morris spent parts of the past three seasons playing alongside twin brother Marcus, but after the Suns decided to deal Marcus to the Detroit Pistons, it appears as though Markieff wants out of the desert as well.
According to The Burns and Gambo Show on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, Markieff seemingly wants nothing to do with the Suns organization in the wake of his brother's trade:
It was initially reported by Jordan Schultz of the Huffington Post in July that tensions were running high between Morris and the Suns:
The 25-year-old power forward is coming off his best NBA season as he averaged 15.8 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, all of which were career highs. He is penciled in to start alongside newly acquired center Tyson Chandler in Phoenix's frontcourt, but that may not come to fruition.
Some might blame Morris in this situation for having sour grapes and not understanding the nature of the NBA business, but Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders sees where he's coming from since he was given the impression that he and Marcus would remain together over the long haul:
If the Suns did, in fact, tell the Morris twins that they were essentially a package deal, then it is easy to see why Markieff feels as though he has been betrayed to some degree.
Losing a player of Markieff's caliber would be a major blow to the Suns so close to the start of the season, but they risk having a toxic environment in the locker room if they keep him.
Because of that, they may have no choice other than to move him elsewhere, and since teams know that the relationship between Morris and the Suns isn't good, they may have to settle for a less-than-ideal return as well.
Jamal Crawford
Another player who is seemingly on the outs with his current team is veteran guard Jamal Crawford, as his role with the Los Angeles Clippers is very much up in the air.
Crawford is a two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, and he is coming off a season in which he averaged 15.8 points per game off the bench, but his status is in question in the wake of LA acquiring guard Lance Stephenson in a deal with the Charlotte Hornets.
According to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, the Clips explored the possibility of sending Crawford to the Cleveland Cavaliers in July. A trade never came to fruition, but the door may still be open for something to get done before the 2015-16 campaign begins.
Per Chris Haynes of Cleveland.com (h/t Dan Feldman of ProBasketballTalk), Crawford would like to play for the Cavs, and Cleveland has some level of interest in acquiring him since they could use a player of his ilk.
The Cavaliers may ultimately re-sign J.R. Smith rather than trade for someone like Crawford, but it seems like it would be a natural fit.
Crawford has also made it clear that he wouldn't mind having the opportunity to play elsewhere at this point, as evidenced by this tweet:
The 35-year-old veteran has been key to the Clippers' success over the past few seasons, but his minutes and opportunities could be limited in Los Angeles due to the acquisitions of players like Stephenson and Paul Pierce.
That wouldn't be the case in Cleveland, though, as he would conceivably play significant minutes in a complementary role to LeBron James. The Cavs look like a much better fit for Crawford than the Clips at this point, but he is at the mercy of both organizations.
Garrett Temple
The Washington Wizards are currently handcuffed by the fact that they have a full roster, but that could change if they are ultimately able and willing to consummate a deal involving guard Garrett Temple.
According to J. Michael of CSNWashington.com, the Wiz need to create a spot on their roster if they want to sign rookie free agent Dez Wells, who is currently shopping around for a team.
Per Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today, a deal could be on the table between the Wizards and Utah Jazz if Washington decides to move Temple:
At the same time, Michael is hearing that the Wizards aren't particularly interested in trading Temple and that the organization is high on him:
Temple bounced around between five different teams in his first two NBA seasons, but he has found a home in Washington since signing with the team in 2012. His production has been modest, but he's a hardworking player who provides solid minutes.
It's easy to see why the Wizard coaches like him, but he averaged just 3.9 points per game last season, and Wells has a chance to be a player who has a much bigger impact than that.
If dealing Temple can guarantee Washington the opportunity to sign Wells, then the Wiz would be wise to strongly consider it despite Temple's status as a good team player.
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Source: Mike Chiari http://ift.tt/1WfjPjP
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