Thu, Feb 18, 2016 at 3:07pm

SUNS MOVE MARKIEFF TO WIZ

The Washington Wizards acquired power forward Markieff Morris from the Phoenix Suns for power forward/center Kris Humphries, power forward/center DeJuan Blair, and a protected future 1st-round draft pick.

What does it give the Washington Wizards
Morris can step in right away and be Washington's new starting power forward, letting the injury-prone and aging Nene Hilario continue coming off the bench. Morris has stellar talent but was widely known to be disgruntled in Phoenix after the Suns traded away his twin brother, Marcus. This provides a fresh start for him, and if he can re-focus and find his game, he gives Washington a potential cornerstone piece for its young core to go with John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Otto Porter. The Wiz better hope he pans out, because Morris has three years more after this one on his contract.

What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Humphries and Blair are obviously not equal value for Morris (since they're now both aging role players), but Humphries remains underrated and the first-round pick should help with Phoenix's youth movement. This trade frees up significant salary for the year after next (when Humphries and Blair come off the books), which should help the Suns either re-up with a young core player or add a quality free agent. This move should also help Phoenix's locker room significantly.

Fantasy impact
Morris should see his fantasy value stay the same as it was recently in Phoenix (which is above average, since the Suns were clearly showcasing him to potential trade suitors). His arrival in Washington likely hurts the fantasy contributions of Porter, however (since there are only so many shots to go 'round). In Phoenix, Humphries may find himself starting for the Suns, but in the short term at least this deal likely helps talented young big man Alex Len see more minutes right away. Also keep an eye on Mirza Teletovic and Jon Leuer, who should both pick up some of Morris' minutes.

Player focus

Washington Wizards

Markieff Morris F/C

Phoenix Suns

Kris Humphries F/C

DeJuan Blair F/C

a future protected first-round pick