Since joining the Phoenix Suns a couple of seasons ago, Jae Crowder has been an important part of the team’s rise through the West and their trip to the NBA Finals.
Offensively and defensively, he has been a vital part of the team’s lineup.
During the 2021-22 season, Crowder started in all of his 67 games, proving just how crucial he was for the squad.
But his days with the team might be numbered.
Jae Crowder is “available” and the Suns have been “very active” in pursuing a trade for him, per @WindhorstESPN pic.twitter.com/58JV3pywMp
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 20, 2022
Brian Windhorst says that Crowder is “available” and that the Suns have been “very active” in creating a trade package for him.
Windhorst went on to say that Phoenix is attempting to tweak its lineup in order to become championship contenders yet again.
That’s smart because many people believe the clock is ticking down on their chances of returning to the Finals.
Jae Gets Jettisoned
With an average of 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists, Crowder wasn’t the most important part of the Suns last season but he certainly was a huge part of the team.
But he’s also one of the few players the team is willing to trade.
Many speculated that they were going to get rid of Deandre Ayton but that didn’t end up happening.
As for others such as Chris Paul and Devin Booker, the Suns aren’t willing to part ways with them.
Since Crowder is a good player, the Suns will get another good one in exchange for him.
The team reached the Finals in 2020-21 and sat atop the West in 2021-22.
Despite their stellar regular season, the Suns fell apart in the playoffs and were trounced by the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.
Now the team is trying to make important changes in order to improve their chances moving forward.