Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
At this point, it is common knowledge that the working relationship between the Phoenix Suns and veteran forward Jae Crowder is all but over.
The two sides agreed earlier this offseason that Crowder would not take part in training camp activities and the Suns would look to find a trade partner for Crowder.
The veteran reportedly requested a trade after being told by the team that there was a chance he could lose his starting spot this season.
Despite the handshake deal that the two sides have with one another, no move has taken place. There are definitely suitors for Crowder, but the Suns seemingly have not liked any offers they’ve gotten up to this point.
According to a recent report, the Suns are looking to get back a rotation player in return for Crowder.
“Complicating Phoenix’s efforts to trade the disgruntled Jae Crowder: League sources say they want a player in return who can plug into their rotation as opposed to merely settling for future assets,” Marc Stein reported on his Substack. “The Suns have certainly not looked as deep in the preseason as they did during their 2021 NBA Finals peak.”
Based on the report, it looks like the Suns might want to get a player to replace Crowder in the rotation. It makes sense why the Suns would be more interested in role players as opposed to future assets like draft picks. Last season, they finished as the top seed in the Western Conference with a record of 64-18.
Though they flamed out in the playoffs, the Suns are still wholly expected to be top competitors in the West once again. On top of that, point guard Chris Paul’s time is running out, and the Suns surely want to try to make the most of the talent that they have on the roster right now.
Where does that leave Crowder?
The veteran averaged 9.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season. He brings high defensive ability as well as the skill of stretching the floor with a fairly consistent 3-point shot. He’s got ample playoff and NBA Finals experience as well.
He’s probably just going to have to wait it out until a team out there becomes willing to send a rotation player in exchange for him.
The Suns are set to start their 2022-23 regular season on Oct. 19 with a matchup against the Dallas Mavericks.
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