One of the most surprising developments heading into the 2022-23 NBA regular season was between Jae Crowder and the Phoenix Suns.
After being informed that he would have a reduced role this season, as the Suns were going to be starting Cam Johnson as the power forward, Crowder requested a trade from the team.
Phoenix agreed, but they took it a step forward, allowing him to stay away from the team as they sought out a trade partner. It was a peculiar development, especially because the team’s depth at the forward spot was questionable coming into the season.
Well, so far so good for the Suns, as Crowder being away from the team hasn’t deterred their success as they are 11-6 on the season. However, their depth issues could become an issue once again as Johnson is currently sidelined because of a meniscus injury.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jae Crowder & Phoenix Suns Updates
Despite his injury, there seem to be no plans to bring Crowder back into the fold. His veteran leadership would certainly be helpful for a team looking to contend for an NBA title this season, but that ship seems to have sailed.
As a result, the Suns are still looking to find a trade partner that wants the 10-year veteran. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, there are plenty of teams showing interest in him. The Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, and Miami Heat are three of the teams that he mentioned, among others.
The Bucks’ depth in the frontcourt has been shaky for a few seasons now. There is not much depth behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis, so an extended absence for any of them would be tough to overcome. Crowder could fill a similar role in the rotation to what P.J. Tucker did during their run to the NBA Championship over Crowder and the Suns in 2021.
Speaking of Tucker, the Heat are on this list because they lost him in the offseason to the Philadelphia 76ers. They have struggled to fill that void in the lineup, as Caleb Martin was given the first shot.
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Martin hasn’t played poorly, but the Heat are lacking depth and bringing in an established veteran that knows what it takes to play for the organization would be a nice boost.
The Hawks have been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference thus far this season. Crowder fits the mold as the type of player that they are looking to surround Trae Young with as a 3-and-D type that offers multi-positional versatility. His playoff experience would be a welcome addition to a team who a vast majority of playoff experience has been gained only the last two years.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Atlanta Hawks, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks & Miami Heat Updates
Any of the three teams listed by Scott would be boosted by the addition of Crowder. Another team that has been linked to him is the New York Knicks, who are looking to consolidate their roster ahead of the deadline as well.
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