Veteran forward Jae Crowder has been away from the Phoenix Suns all NBA season. When it became official that his role with the team would be changing, he and the team agreed that he could remain away from the team until a trade was found.
The trade talks centered around Crowder began during training camp when he was excused from participating and reporting. It is somewhat of a surprise that he never reported to the team as they have been seeking depth in the frontcourt all season, especially after Cam Johnson suffered a meniscus injury.
More than halfway through the season and with only two weeks remaining until the trade deadline, Crowder remains a member of the Suns. While there has been plenty of teams reaching out to the Suns about him, according to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, nothing has gotten close to being done.
“Jae Crowder and the Suns agreed to part ways via trade ahead of the season. Despite various flirtations with the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Raptors, Heat, Bucks, and Lakers, nothing has emerged.”
It comes as no surprise that all of the teams that have shown interest in Crowder have playoff and championship aspirations. He would fit onto each of their rosters as a combo forward that brings toughness and versatility, capable of defending multiple positions and knocking down 3-pointers on offense.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder & Phoenix Suns Updates
Out of the teams mentioned, the Atlanta Hawks seemingly made the most progress on a deal as John Collins was discussed as a potential piece returning to Phoenix. But, in the second season of a five-year, $125 million contract, that kind of money would be tough to take on with the team in the middle of changing ownership.
It would be hard to imagine the Suns trading Crowder to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are competing for a playoff spot in the Western Conference along with them. They also acquired Rui Hachimura this week, likely taking them out of the running for any more wings and forwards.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder & Phoenix Suns Updates
The Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers all make sense if they can build a package to match the asking price. The Toronto Raptors can likely be removed from the list as they contemplate reloading and blowing up the roster.
