The Phoenix Suns have yet to trade Jae Crowder despite the 2022-23 NBA season having already started. He remains sitting out as the team navigates trade scenarios.
Crowder wants a contract extension as he is playing in the final year of his current contract. The Suns were not interested in obliging his desired outcome in contract talks, and after making it clear to Crowder that Cam Johnson will be the starting four going forward, he sought a change of scenery.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Milwaukee Bucks have engaged the Suns in trade discussions for Jae Crowder in addition to the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat.
“In addition to the Hawks, the Suns have recently been engaged in talks with the Bucks on a potential Jae Crowder trade, sources said. Milwaukee has registered interest in the veteran forward who has remained away from the Suns’ organization as both sides work toward a trade. Miami is also believed to be among the current suitors for Crowder, according to league sources.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Milwaukee Bucks could use another 3-and-D wing that can guard multiple positions. It would help them to have depth if someone like Khris Middleton is sidelined later in the season as he was during the playoffs and is currently. It remains to be seen if they’d be willing to commit to a multi-year deal for Crowder, given the future salary cap implications.
There doesn’t appear to be a serious pathway for the Miami Heat to get a deal done since it would likely require finding an interested trade suitor for Duncan Robinson. He is owed three total seasons remaining on his five-year, $90 million contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat & Milwaukee Bucks Updates
The Atlanta Hawks have already made many financial commitments with recent contract extensions. Most recently, De’Andre Hunter landed a four-year, $90 million contract in addition to all of the other recent deals they’ve given to key players. Crowder wouldn’t have a place in the starting lineup, either.
