Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal 

On a surface level, it’s easy to see why the Suns would move Crowder. They don’t need him, and he doesn’t want to be there. 

Of course, it feels strange to say Phoenix can’t use Crowder. After all, he’s the consummate 3-and-D wing, and the Suns are contending. Doesn’t every championship hopeful need a player like Crowder? 

Yes. On the other hand, the Suns happen to have a bunch of them. Mikal Bridges is probably the best 3-and-D wing in the NBA. Meanwhile, Cameron Johnson is an elite shooter whose defense is also coming along. Throw in Torrey Craig, and this wing rotation is looking crowded. 

On the other hand, the Suns’ guard rotation is looking awfully thin. Clarkson would be a tremendous upgrade over current lead reserve Cam Payne.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Meanwhile, the acquisition of Gay makes up for some of the loss of Crowder – if that even matters to this particular Suns team. 

Do the Lakers make up for what they lose in this deal?