The Toronto Raptors are sitting pretty at second place in the Eastern Conference standings behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, although they can overtake the conference favorite with some tweaks on their side.
And the changes could come from the frontline of the Raptors. The word out right now is that the Raptors are pursuing Markieff Morris and P.J. Tucker of the Phoenix Suns which could be plans for a big push with the second half of the season expected to be wild and wooly.
Morris could see his dream come true if the trade happens. Morris has long asked for a trade and the Raptors was one of the teams he had in mind. He mentioned wanting to play alongside Kyle Lowry in the offseason, although nothing really materialized. That could happen now.
Ironically, Morris put up a good showing against the Raptors a day after Jeff Hornacek was fired. Earl Watson is the interim coach, so the change in coaches may have been good for the team after all.
But the question now is whether Morris still wants to leave or not.
For the Raptors, it may be risky to add Morris. His knack for holding on to the ball too much could disrupt the usual flow of Dwane Casey's charges. Aside from that, he has not proven himself as a good rebounder which could work against Toronto.
But comparing him with the Raptors' frontline right now (Anderson Varejao and Patrick Patterson), adding the forward who impressed many last season could be a big upgrade. But is it for all the right reasons?
Right now, the trade talks are up in the air and an answer to that could be out in the coming weeks. The trade deadline is on Feb. 18, more than a week away.
And before that, Morris may have to clear the air with his recent performance. Will Earl Watson sway his earlier desire to be traded and stay put?
