With Jae Crowder still on the market, the Phoenix Suns are leaning to gain a return that can provide a major help to their ongoing title hopes.
Sources told veteran insider Marc Stein that the Suns prefer to land an asset that can be inserted to their rotation, with future packages not their priority.
“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. The Suns have certainly not looked as deep in the preseason as they did during their 2021 NBA Finals peak.”
Crowder, 32, remains outside of the Suns’ camp as both sides agreed not to collaborate until a trade occurs. The veteran served as a vital part of the team’s past two seasons of postseason push, averaging 10.3 points, 5.6 boards, 2.1 dimes in a decent 35.6 percent shooting.
Several teams like the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and the Atlanta Hawks were reported as interested suitors for the disgruntled forward, but it now comes down to how they can entice the Suns with their offer.
The journeyman wing is also entering a contract year this new season – which has to be taken note of for rival clubs eyeing a long-term partnership. As such, with that versatility and 3-D he offers, Crowder truly fits like a glove for those eyeing a deep playoff run.
