Photo by: Phoenix Suns Twitter
Just before training camp started, Jae Crowder tweeted and deleted that he wasn’t attending the Phoenix Suns training camp. Then the next day, the Suns announced that Crowder and the team had “mutually agreed” that he would be sent home while the team find s a suitable deal. Since then, Crowder has been away from the team and working out on his own. Because the Suns have championship aspirations, they’re more likely seeking win-now talent more than picks. Still, it’s been months since Crowder has been sent home. But now, the wait could be over.
Is the Jae Crowder Watch Over?
After Crowder sent a cryptic clock emoji on his Instagram story, Insider Marc Stein tweeted that that he has heard “credible rumors” suggesting the Suns have made progress on finding a trade involving the forward. Yahoo Sports’ insider Jake Fischer followed that up by tweeting that prior to Wednesday’s game vs. Golden State he heard the Suns appeared close to finalizing a three-team deal involving Crowder. Suns starter Cam Johnson has been sidelined after his surgery, which could put further pressure in getting a deal done soon.
Who’s the Mystery Team?
Both reporters didn’t go into detail on the teams involved in the recent talks. Throughout the season, we’ve heard that the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks were in the running. Of course, there could be more teams that could use a 3&D player like Crowder who’s on an $10.3 million expiring contract. With Fischer saying the team was discussing a three-team scenario, it opens up the possibility that Miami could be involved. As stated before, a two-team trade between Miami and Phoenix with Duncan Robinson headlining the deal wasn’t viable. Adding a third team signals that the team acquiring Crowder doesn’t want to trade a key contributor and is hoping to land Phoenix that win-now piece from elsewhere.
It’s no secret Miami needs another frontcourt piece. This has been evident throughout the off-season and now during the season as well. Crowder provides shooting, defense, and toughness. Those are the few things Miami has been missing this season. While Caleb Martin has been good at times, his role is best suited for the second unit. Trading for Crowder allows that to open. But is the mystery team actually Miami? We’re going to find out soon at some point.
