© Photo by Kim Klement/Getty Images
While four NBA teams are currently undergoing training, the rest of the league has to wait until Tuesday. Training camp is where all the NBA teams work to get in shape and work on chemistry. The NBA requires all players to attend unless given permission. Of course, there has been instances where a player will forgo training camp if unhappy. Sometimes players will do this is they’re requesting a trade. In a deleted tweet, Jae Crowder hinted that he might not attend the Phoenix Suns training camp. Shams Charania later reported that both the Suns and Crowder agreed that it was best for him to sit out.
This has been an odd offseason for the Suns and Crowder. Since signing with the Suns in 2020, Crowder has helped the team reach another level. His ability to play as a small-ball four has made him a seamless fit for the team. However, the two sides have drifted apart from each other. There’s been speculation that the Suns wanting to start Cam Johnson as a reason for Crowder’s unhappiness with the team. Cowder has one year remaining on his three-year deal and will hit free agency after this season.
As a result, the Suns have reportedly been shopping Crowder. One potential destination is the Miami Heat, a destination Crowder would love to join. He’s publicly been expressing an interest in returning to Miami through social media. Crowder was a huge piece for the Heat’s run to the 2020 NBA Finals. After P.J. Tucker departing, the team is missing a quality starting power forward. Crowder would be a good replacement but a trade to Miami will be tricky.
Why? Well, the Suns are unlikely to have interest in taking on Duncan Robinson‘s long-term contract. Additionally, Robinson has been unplayable at times because of his bad defense. The Heat’s other players who could be matching salary pieces cannot be traded until December or January. It’ll also be surprising if Miami decided to include a first rounder or young piece for an expiring contract like Crowder. Miami and Phoenix could seek out a third team but that may require Miami moving a first rounder.
It’s clear that Crowder wants out. And the Suns are open to finding him a new home. With training camp opening up in two days, this will be an interesting storyline to watch.
