Following the blockbuster trade made over the weekend, speculation has begun over Kyrie Irving's fit with the Dallas Mavericks, given his abrupt exit from the Brooklyn Nets.
However, others wonder how Markieff Morris, who was also included in the deal, might co-exist with star Luka Doncic.
While there isn't any bad blood between Doncic and Morris, the Mavericks' All-Star has had several run-ins with twin brother Marcus. On Wednesday, Morris addressed these concerns while speaking with reporters.
"There's no personal beef, no vendetta," Morris said. "That's just how we play sometimes. We might foul the s--- out of you. It just is what it is. Some people might call it dirty. I just call it playing tough."
In Game 6 of the 2020 Western Conference opening round between the Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers, Marcus fouled Doncic hard under the basket, leading to his ejection. The NBA later fined Morris $35K for "recklessly striking" Doncic above the shoulders.
Marcus Morris was given a flagrant 2 and was ejected for this foul on Luka Doncic. pic.twitter.com/Cr7iTOegJe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 30, 2020
After the game, Doncic called the foul "terrible." Doncic added that he didn't "want to deal with that kind of player."
It's hard to see any issues arising from this, but the twin bond is strong. Luckily, Morris seems overjoyed at the chance to play and win somewhere else. Morris revealed to reporters that when Irving made his trade request, he could only think of joining him.
"I was just hoping that I was traded with him," Morris said. "I just wanted somewhere I could have the opportunity to play. I didn't really play at all this year being in Brooklyn. I just want to play basketball."
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