Photo via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder has been linked to the Miami Heat for several months. While the Heat are interested in the veteran forward, it does not appear that they are prepared to give up Caleb Martin in order to acquire him.
Miami has not shown any inclination to offer Caleb Martin in a deal for Crowder, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Miami Herald
Improving Frontcourt Depth
The Heat’s lack of interest in sending Martin out to acquire Crowder is understandable. The Heat are after all attempting to increase their depth at the small forward and power forward positions. Both Martin and Crowder are versatile players who can play multiple positions. However, Crowder is the more natural fit about the starting position. Martin is better suited on the wing.
Ideally, the Heat would prefer keeping Martin while also adding Crowder. By doing that, the Heat would strengthen the frontcourt spots in their rotation. Martin has been playing well for the Heat this season, averaging 9.9 points and 4.7 rebounds in 39 appearances (all starts). He is one of many forwards who can spread the floor because of his deep-range shooting abilities. So far this season, he has made 38.0 percent of his three-point attempts.
Unlike Martin, Crowder hasn’t participated in a single game this year. Prior to the start of the regular season in 2022–23, he and the Suns reached an agreement to split ways. Crowder told the Suns management he would not attend training camp and wants to play elsewhere. Since then, the Suns have fielded offers for the forward without any luck so far. It’s been three weeks since Crowder’s trade request.
Buyout Candidate?
While Crowder has not played this season, it’s interesting that his numbers from the previous year resemble Martin’s current statistics. Crowder averaged 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 2021–2022. The Heat have very little chance of trading for Crowder if they are unwilling to include Martin in the proposed package. As Jackson states in his latest report, Miami has included Duncan Robinson in the Crowder discussions. Unfortunately, the Suns haven’t expressed interest in taking on Robinson’s contract. In fact, a recent report suggested that the Heat might only be interested in Crowder if he becomes a buyout candidate.
Given that the Suns have not yet secured a trade partner for Crowder, maybe both sides will agree to a buyout. It would likely have to happen after the trade deadline. And before the March 1st deadline, which would allow Crowder to be playoff eligible. In any buyout discussions, the Suns will undoubtedly try to extract as much money as they can for Crowder. Still, there’s two weeks left until the deadline and the Suns could find a trade partner. Expect to hear more storylines on this trade saga as the deadline approaches.
