The Phoenix Suns have suspended forward Markieff Morris for two games for throwing a towel at coach Jeff Hornacek, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The incident occurred during Phoenix's 104-96 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. When told by teammates during the game that he hit Hornacek in the leg with the towel, Morris said he didn't intend to hit him and that he was unaware the towel had connected, league sources told Yahoo. Hornacek threw the towel back at Morris when the fifth-year forward reached the end of the bench.
The two-game suspension will cost Morris $145,455 in game pay. The Suns have two home games next against the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday.
Since Phoenix traded his brother Marcus to the Detroit Pistons in July, Markieff has expressed a desire to be moved, and his performance and attitude have steadily declined. Phoenix has explored trade scenarios in recent weeks, including conversations with Houston and New Orleans, but no trade scenario has gained traction, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Several teams that were interested in Morris said the asking price was still too high and that’s made the progression toward serious talks a slow-moving process, league sources told Yahoo.
Morris’ recent benching and suspension have also hurt Phoenix’s leverage in reaching a deal.
Morris, 26, was the 13th overall selection by the Suns in the 2011 NBA draft. He had his best season in 2014-15, when he averaged 15.3 points and 6.2 rebounds. He is avergaing 10.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 22 games this season.
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