Morris brothers want teams to see them as a tandem a year ahead of free agency
At the beginning of this past NBA season, Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris expressed how much they enjoyed playing together and their desire to continue to do so into the future.
Now, on the eve of their respective contract years with the Phoenix Suns, the identical twins are still talking as if they hope to hit free agency as a tag team rather than individuals.
"Wherever we're together, it's home," Markieff told The Inquirer. "We just go out there and have fun. The game isn't the same when we're apart."
Both players will be restricted free agents at the end of the season, with qualifying offers slated to be just north of $4 million each. Markieff, in particular, should be set for an appreciable raise after a breakout third season.
| Markieff | 2013-14 | Marcus |
|---|---|---|
| 26.6 | MPG | 22.0 |
| 13.8 | PPG | 9.7 |
| 6.0 | RPG | 3.9 |
| 1.8 | APG | 1.1 |
| 48.6% | FG% | 44.2% |
| 31.5% | 3FG% | 38.1% |
| 18.4 | PER | 14.8 |
Considering they are not equal players, the free agency process could be somewhat awkward. What if a team is only interested in one? What if one needs to take a pay cut for the pair to stay together? This isn't a Sedin twins situation, where both players are among their league's elite and have a fair amount of negotiating leverage.
"It's a unique situation," Marcus said." We're just trying to do enough so teams can see us as players. As players, and as a tandem."
Later, he added that "hopefully, we retire together." While that seems like a long-shot now, so early in their careers, it's impossible to judge without knowing how the desire to stay together will impact their free agency decisions.