The Phoenix Suns are continuing to scour the market for a team willing to make a deal centered around NBA veteran Jae Crowder. Crowder has remained away from the Suns since he was informed that his role would diminish this season as Cam Johnson would be taking his spot in the starting lineup.
Phoenix could certainly use Crowder, as Johnson has been sidelined with a meniscus injury that required surgery. Alas, nothing changed on that front as the team continued shopping him.
It isn’t for a lack of market when it comes to Crowder as numerous teams have been linked to him. Two Eastern Conference contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat, have been considered the suitors pushing hardest to acquire him.
The Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have also been mentioned as potential suitors. Another team to keep an eye on would be the Washington Wizards. According to Marc Stein on his Substack, Washington actually made an offer to the Suns but it was declined.
“Yet league sources say that the Wizards recently pursued Crowder with a deal structure (believed to feature Rui Hachimura) that the Suns rebuffed. Phoenix is said to be holding out for a certifiable starter in a Crowder deal.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Rui Hachimura, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
Washington is looking to get their season back on track and Crowder would be a good fit for their lineup given his skill set and ability to play multiple positions. His experience would also be a nice addition to a team that seems like it could use a little more leadership in the locker room.
Phoenix turning down an offer centered around Hachimura isn’t too surprising. In Year 4, the Suns would have to pony up a new contract for Hachimura in the offseason, something which they have already done with Deandre Ayton, Johnson and Mikal Bridges.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder, Rui Hachimura, Phoenix Suns & Washington Wizards Updates
Someone with more experience would likely appeal to the Suns more as well as they are looking to make another deep playoff run, not develop a former lottery pick.
