Markieff Morris' saga with the Phoenix Suns hasn't been in the news for a few weeks now but that doesn't mean it's over. Morris was not happy about his brother being traded and the way the Suns handled it so he has demanded a trade from the team and also won't even contact his teammates or the organization. Now it is being reported that the Suns have no plans to trade Morris before the season starts and they expect him to show up for training camp, according to Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic.
Morris signed a four year $32 million extension with the Suns prior to last season which kicks in for the 2015-16 season meaning he has next to no leverage when he demands a trade. The only way Morris can gain leverage would be by not showing up to training camp and not playing for the team and in that case he would not get paid so that option is likely out the window. Morris has previously stated that if he is not traded he will still honor his contract but he also fully expected that he would be traded before camp starts.
The Suns have absolutely no reason to trade Morris other than having an unhappy player in the locker room. Besides the contract being in their favor Morris is also one of the best players on the Suns and they are counting on him again this season. Morris is the projected starting power forward and after having a career year Phoenix is hoping that he can produce similar numbers alongside new center Tyson Chandler.
Training camp opens up on September 28th for the Suns and at this point it seems likely Morris will be there. The Suns seemingly haven't even considered trading him despite his demand and they have no reason to. Morris may be unhappy but he is going to have to deal with it and play basketball for the Suns this season because he clearly isn't getting traded before the season starts.
