The Phoenix Suns are coming into the upcoming NBA season off a very disappointing showing in the 2022 postseason. Phoenix, the defending Western Conference Champions, were defeated in the second round by the Dallas Mavericks in embarrassing fashion on their homecourt in Game 7.
A performance like that would normally lead a team to make some changes. Thus far, the Suns haven’t made any, but it hasn’t been from a lack of effort.
Phoenix was in on Kevin Durant following his trade request to the Brooklyn Nets, but nothing came to fruition. They are actively looking to trade Jae Crowder at this point as well, but with less than a week before the regular season begins, nothing concrete has emerged.
The Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat are reportedly the teams that Crowder would prefer to land with. A deal with Atlanta could revolve around Bogdan Bogdanovic, but a deal with Miami is unlikely as it would almost certainly have to include Duncan Robinson.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz & Phoenix Suns Updates
Another player to keep an eye on is Jordan Clarkson of the Utah Jazz. Entering a rebuild, Clarkson is someone that could likely be had for the right price as he is essentially playing on an expiring contract with a player option for the 2023-24 season.
Phoenix has inquired about landing Clarkson in a deal centered around Crowder and possibly draft compensation. Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports detailed it in a recent piece.
“In recent transaction cycles, Phoenix has explored adding greater ball-handling depth behind Chris Paul and Devin Booker. And Jordan Clarkson, one of the many veterans thought to be available in Utah, is one dynamic guard the Suns have inquired about landing in exchange for Crowder, sources said. Would Phoenix be willing to attach draft capital in that scenario? That outcome would seem to result in Crowder securing a buyout from Utah, and then his pick of destination, albeit at an unknown salary.”
In need of more shot creators outside of Devin Booker and Chris Paul, Clarkson would be a nice upgrade for the second unit in Phoenix. He has shown that he is capable of running the offense for stretches of time in addition to the microwave scoring that he provides.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Suns have to do what is best for the franchise and if they believe that acquiring Clarkson is the best deal for them, then so be it. While landing with the Jazz likely isn’t a scenario that Crowder would want, having the chance to select where he goes after he clears waivers could be an ideal situation.
