The Phoenix Suns have gotten off to a 2-1 start this NBA season, but they know that there are moves that have to be made. They are relying heavily on their defense right now, which is sixth in the NBA in defensive rating, and giving up the fifth-fewest points per game. Their offense, however, has been on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Phoenix is currently 21st in points per game and 17th in offensive rating. Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have been scoring the ball efficiently, but outside of them, they aren’t getting much consistent production. Mikal Bridges is 1-of-5 on 3-point attempts and Chris Paul is shooting 32.1 percent from the field overall.
Something is going to have to change sooner than later, as the Suns could easily be 1-2 had they not had a miraculous comeback over the Dallas Mavericks in their season opener. They should be getting some reinforcements hopefully sooner than later as they continue working on a trade centered around Jae Crowder.
Crowder requested a trade before training camp as it became apparent that Phoenix was looking to expand the role of Cam Johnson. Johnson was being inserted into the starting lineup, with Crowder’s role expected to be reduced. That wasn’t something Crowder was willing to do, so he requested a trade and the Suns obliged, allowing him to remain at home until a deal is finalized.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Miami Heat Updates
Essentially allowing a rotation player to hold out despite the depth issues that were already facing the Suns is odd, but it also sounds like it could take a little longer for them to find a deal than they thought it would. The Miami Heat were one of the teams interested in Crowder and he would have preferred a trade there, but finding a match when it comes to compensation doesn’t sound like it will be easy.
The Heat made an offer to the Suns that involved Duncan Robinson, but that wasn’t something that Phoenix was interested in.
“They’ve tried to see what’s there for Duncan Robinson but there really is not much of a market unless you get a team willing to play him for a year and try to flip his contract next summer,” an Eastern Conference executive told Sean Deveney of Heavy.com. “They tried with Phoenix for Jae Crowder, but Phoenix did not want Robinson.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Miami Heat Updates
A third team would have to be involved that would be willing to take on Robinson, who lost his starting job at the end of the 2021-22 regular season and was not in the team’s rotation for the postseason. He has three more seasons on his contract after this one.
His role has been reduced again this season, as he is averaging only 11.8 minutes per game. At least his 3-point shooting stroke has returned, as he has knocked down half of his attempts thus far. His floor spacing would be a nice fit for the Suns, but taking on that contract is not something they are willing to do.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns & Miami Heat Updates
The Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks are some of the other teams that have been linked to Crowder as possible trade destinations.
