Why The Phoenix Suns Do The Deal 

Of course, Crowder didn’t request a trade without a reason. It would appear that he’s feeling a little squeezed out of the rotation – or at least, the starting lineup. 

Apparently, the Suns informed him that Cameron Johnson would be taking his place at the 4. Moving him down to the 3 isn’t an option – Mikal Bridges starts there. He’s one of the best 3-and-D wings in the NBA. With Torrey Craig on the bench, the Suns may have the deepest collection of such players in the whole league. 

On the other hand, their guard rotation is fairly thin. The starting backcourt is set: Devin Booker is their best player, and while Chris Paul may be 37, his production would have to fall off a cliff for him to lose his spot.

That said, Cameron Payne is probably underqualified as their lead reserve guard. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & New York Knicks Updates

Fournier wouldn’t be. In fact, he’d be among the better sixth men in the NBA. This deal is about roster balance for the Suns. It’s simple: they need a guard, and they don’t need a wing. 

Do the Knicks need Crowder?