If Jae Crowder is the Ring Pop you receive as a participation award, Kevin Durant was the grand prize at the NBA’s county fair this summer. Even if you still appreciate having it, don’t base all of your plans on it.
In any case, Crowder is the player who is now available, and teams are intrigued. As the two sides search for a trade that benefits both of them, he has yet to play for the Phoenix Suns this season. Cameron Johnson has since taken over the regular power forward position (without a contract extension in hand, which is another story altogether).
Crowder is wanted by a number of teams, some of which need him more than others. The most recent information was provided by Shams Charania of The Athletic, who mentioned that prospective trades are being looked into by the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Miami Heat.
The Suns and Bucks have recently discussed a potential Jae Crowder deal in addition to the Hawks. As both parties attempt to complete a deal, Milwaukee has expressed interest in the veteran forward who has avoided contact with the Suns’ organization. League insiders claim that Miami is also one of Crowder’s potential suitors right now.
Bright Side of the Sun and the Phoenix Suns section of SB Nation gathered a few prospective transactions, and most make sense for both parties.
Atlanta Hawks trade candidate: Jae Crowder
They offered Atlanta a trade in which Crowder and Dario Saric would go to Phoenix in exchange for Bogdan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic has missed much of this season due to a knee ailment. But upon his return, the Suns would benefit from his improved shooting and an additional shot-creator on the wing and Devin Booker.
The Hawks, meanwhile, would get further defensive versatility in a squad that aims to grow better on that end of the court. Nevertheless, losing Bogdanovic’s shooting ability could be more detrimental than beneficial.
Milwaukee Bucks trade candidate: Jae Crowder
Next, BSoS offered a straightforward one-for-one deal of Grayson Allen for Crowder for the Bucks. Allen has had trouble shooting the ball effectively this season, and he also struggled at times during the playoffs the year before. Brew Hoop noted that Milwaukee doesn’t need Crowder all that much.
When healthy, they already have guys like Khris Middleton, Pat Connaughton, Joe Ingles, and rookie Marjon Beauchamp, so they don’t have the rotational defensive gaps Atlanta does. What role would Crowder play in that scenario? Milwaukee should instead attempt to trade for more assistance at the point guard position (hi, Jordan Clarkson).
Miami Heat trade candidate: Jae Crowder
And finally, the BSoS agreement with the Heat makes a lot of sense. Crowder and Landry Shamet would be exchanged for Duncan Robinson and Max Strus, who would be sent to Phoenix.
This would obviously be a significant need-filling move for the Heat, who currently don’t really have a starting power forward. While he isn’t the same talent as Crowder, who played for Miami during their run to the 2020 championship, he may still cover in the voids for them. Phoenix would receive a lot more gunfire in the meantime.
However, there are a few possible problems to be aware of in this situation.
First and foremost, it’s a tough ask for Miami to let go of Robinson and Strus (even if they get Shamet back). They still genuinely like Strus despite having produced both of those guys. Phoenix would also have to worry about paying Straus a large sum after the year because his contract is up. They would be in a situation like the one they are in now with Crowder.
Trades with the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, and Memphis Grizzlies, all of which may need some assistance at the wing/forward position, are a few additional transactions that might unexpectedly materialize (and two of which already have connections to Crowder).
However, until a contract is finalized, expect Crowder to keep advertising himself on social media, as all skilled negotiators in the present day should.