Two weeks ago, Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said he expects his team to be active at the NBA's Feb. 18 trade deadline.
But rumors of potential Suns trades have been swirling for weeks, if not months. Here are three storylines to watch as next Thursday's trade deadline approaches.
1. Markieff and PJ, eh?
Markieff Morris has been at the center of one trade rumor after another since the beginning of the season. The embattled forward who got into a fight with his own teammate last week has been linked to the Rockets, Hawks and several other teams.
But the most recent rumor comes courtesy of ESPN's Marc Stein, who says Markieff and a teammate may be headed to the Great White North.
Last week, Stein reported the Toronto Raptors, who are right behind LeBron's Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference lead, are interested in acquiring Morris and fellow Suns forward P.J. Tucker. CBS Sports' Zach Harper says such a deal would make sense for both teams.
Given Suns have continued to hold out for quality pick or player for disgruntled Markieff Morris, expect them to seek nice pick for Tucker
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 3, 2016
Morris has three years left on the four-year, $32 million contract extension he signed in 2014. Tucker, a lock-down defender who has played for the Suns since 2012, has one year remaining on his deal and is owed $5.3 million next season.
2. The return of Channing Frye?
Coincidence or not, the Suns' steady decline has coincided with the departure of power forward/center Channing Frye, whose ability to stretch the floor with his outside shooting made him a valuable asset in Phoenix.
Frye left the Suns for Orlando via free agency two seasons ago -- but a return to the Valley for the Phoenix St. Mary's High School and UA graduate might make sense, according to Hoops Habit.
In this scenario, a straight-up Morris-for-Frye trade is one possibility, but Frye for Tucker and power forward Jon Leuer is another. Leuer will be a free agent after this season.
3. Tyson Chandler, anyone?
The Suns acquired veteran center Tyson Chandler via free agency just seven months ago -- but with their subsequent struggles this season, the team may be interested in moving Chandler to free up some salary cap space.
The only problem is there apparently isn't much interest in the 14-year pro, especially because many believe the Suns overpaid for him in the first place.
"The demand for the 33-year-old is low," Yahoo's Bobby Marks wrote last week. "Even with a rising cap this summer, Chandler, who is still owed $39 million over the next three years, is not a desirable option for many teams."
