The Phoenix Suns informed veteran Jae Crowder that his role would be diminished during the 2022-23 NBA season as they planned on starting Cam Johnson. Crowder wasn’t on board with that, so he requested a trade. Understandably, a player would want to be in a situation where they can play more, but Crowder never reported.
The Suns agreed that Crowder staying away from the team was best, essentially okaying him holding out. It was a move that surprised a lot of people as the Suns’ frontcourt depth was shaky even with Crowder. Without him, it would be an even bigger question mark, but nothing has changed on that front even with Johnson sidelined.
Phoenix continues to look for a trade partner that would be willing to make a deal for the veteran forward. Multiple teams have been linked to him, as contenders showed interest ahead of the regular season getting underway.
However, with December 15th almost here, the day a lot of players who signed free-agent deals are eligible to be traded, suitors are emerging. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Atlanta Hawks and Miami Heat are the two teams to keep a close eye on in the Crowder sweepstakes.
“The Hawks and Heat also are interested in Crowder, and Miami is expected to have a re-energized pursuit soon because it has a slew of players, such as Dewayne Dedmon and Victor Oladipo, available to be traded starting Jan. 15. The Bucks could continue to seek a third team to facilitate a trade for Crowder, which would be a homecoming of sorts for the Georgia native who played his college ball at Marquette.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks & Miami Heat Updates
The Hawks look like a team destined to make a move eventually. John Collins has been involved in trade rumors for years and the franchise would love to remain under the luxury tax next season. Moving Collins, Bogdan Bogdanovic or Clint Capela would help in that regard.
Crowder also has the kind of skill set that Atlanta is looking for to build the roster around Trae Young. 3-point shooters to take advantage of his playmaking and defenders to make up for his poor defense are what the Hawks’ front office are on the lookout for and Crowder fits the bill.
In Miami, Crowder would help fill the void left by P.J. Tucker’s departure in free agency. Tucker signed a three-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving Caleb Martin to take his spot in the rotation.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns, Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks & Miami Heat Updates
Crowder would provide the team with great depth and knows what Heat Culture is all about, as he spent time with the team during the 2019-20 season when they advanced to the NBA Finals in the Orlando Bubble.
