The Phoenix Suns are kicking off training camp with NBA media day today, the first time the entire team will be together in a few months. But, there will be one noticeable absence when things get underway.
Veteran forward Jae Crowder, who has been an integral part of the team’s rotation the last two seasons, will not be present at media day or the start of training camp.
Crowder requested that he not have to report to camp amid trade discussions and the team agreed with that stance. The Suns will still search out a trade partner for him, as his tenure with the franchise has come to an end.
Crowder made a tweet about his situation over the weekend. He shared that he would be on the move, saying he needs to work where he is wanted and needed. Evidently, that is no longer in Phoenix.
One of the factors that went into the decision for Crowder to request a trade was the diminished role that he was likely to have this upcoming season.
The Suns are looking to expand the role of Cam Johnson, who is eligible for a rookie extension this offseason. Entering his fourth season in the NBA, the Suns want to see if he can handle a larger role before committing money to him long-term as they have done for Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton already.
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That would leave less playing time for Crowder, who is 32 and heading into the final season on his current contract that will pay him $10.1 million. The veteran’s effectiveness on the court dipped last season, but there are likely plenty of suitors that are in talks with the Suns.
“Jae brought a number of intangibles to the team, I think all of our guys would speak in that way about him,” Suns coach Monty Williams said. “At the same time these things happen and you have to transition and move forward. I totally am behind James and how we are handling this.”
One of the teams that they had discussions with was the Utah Jazz. Bojan Bogdanovic was at the heart of those trade talks but he has since been traded to the Detroit Pistons. It would not be a surprise if other contenders made a call to the Suns as well.
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The Miami Heat could use help in their frontcourt after P.J. Tucker departed in free agency, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Dallas Mavericks are another team that would make sense as a landing spot for Crowder.
