Amid murmurs of being a risky asset, Jae Crowder is still being coveted around by the league circles.
In the latest report about Crowder, Shams Charania of The Athletic relayed (1:05 mark) that Crowder is still “desirable as ever” in the trade mill, as the veteran “changed culture” amongst the teams that he became a part with for the past few years.
Charania further added that Crowder was a significant piece for the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns’ Finals exploits in 2020 and 2021, respectively. He is also a hard-nosed cager that can truly help teams with his 3-and-D presence.
Speculations have appeared about Crowder’s value when one executive told Heavy’s Steve Bulpett that the forward is not helping himself by deciding to be away from the Suns’ current team activities this season until a trade materializes.
“He just didn’t show up,” the general manager told Steve Bulpett of Heavy.com. “He said he’s not playing unless he gets a contract extension that he wants. I think a lot of teams are turned off by that in and of itself. Like, ‘What? You don’t want to play for one of the best teams in the NBA and PROVE that you’re worth it so you can get a contract next year? Like, you’re not that good, bro. What are you doing?’ It’s a weird dynamic. It’s one thing if Kevin Durant’s holding out because he’s not getting paid enough, but Jae Crowder? Seriously?”
The ongoing interests of the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Miami Heat to acquire him only show that Crowder is being viewed as a crucial piece, as the Suns remain looking for a justifiable return for him with the wait still not over yet.
