Suns president of basketball operations James Jones said he hasn’t found the “right fit” to make a deal involving veteran forward Jae Crowder, Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports relays (Twitter video link). Crowder is sitting out while waiting to be moved.
“Just haven’t been able to get a deal done,” Jones said. “We have natural deadlines, like the trade deadline, where you usually have a flurry of deals but other than that, it’s just finding the right fit and we just haven’t been able to find that yet.”
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- Suns guard Chris Paul is “close” to returning, Jones said in another video link posted by Bourguet. “He’s been looking good and we’re still taking the long view,” Jones said. A heel injury has sidelined Paul since Nov. 7. Paul is still listed as out for Wednesday’s game against Chicago, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic tweets.
- Lakers first-year coach Darvin Ham dealt with trade rumors during his playing career and hopes his current players take the same approach as rumors swirl around the franchise, Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register writes. “I’ve dealt with that myself personally,” he said. “But you just have to have an approach that whatever jersey you put on, it’s a blessing to be in this league and handle it like a professional.”
- Draymond Green‘s status with the Warriors franchise seemed tenuous after he punched Jordan Poole during a practice in training camp. However, Green has reestablished himself as an indispensable cog as they shoot for a second consecutive title, Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area writes. “I’ve said for years that Draymond is the heartbeat of our team,” coach Steve Kerr said. “He’s the guy who kind of makes everything go. He’s the motivator. He’s the bully who protects his teammates on the floor and talks trash. This guy is just so good at basketball.” Green holds a $27,586,225 option for the 2023/24 season.
Way to glamourize bullying, amazingly tone deaf.
This guy owns a few participation trophy
I bet you love Larry Bird, who actually punched people during games
Funny, I associate Green with the Feminine more than the masculine. Its hard for me to think of a whining child as a bully, or tough man when the lips are always moving. Kerr & his gun control is a bit more than I can stand usually also. These 2 whiners are perfect for each other.
Why exhibit your ignorance?
Meet him in the middle of the street in broad daylight and say that to his face.
Anytime. Green only does Hollywood drama when the camera’s are rolling, and everyone is watching. He doesn’t want to be the next Mike Tyson Vs Mitch Green Lawsuit. Green jumped through Tyson’s convertible Bentley top in a street fight, completely instigating the fight, and inflicting damage & harm then getting paid nearly $250,000. Tyson with Lawyers was easily out over a million. D.Green is well aware of this & definitely avoids public threats, or any real threats. D.Green is also a basketball player. How does that qualify him as a fighter, or a tough guy? He’s big. What else? I could use some NBA player money, set-it-up!
Uh oh…. dusting him off and shining him up to look attractive on the shelf for a buyer
Probably right.
Depending on the warriors season, Drays play and how he acts off the court I wouldn’t be supposed to see him opt out and hit FA. It’s probably his last chance at having 1 more really good contract.
I mean he’s got nothing left to prove at GSW. They’ve won the titles, he’s had his fame and it’s probably time for the next chapter of his life. GSW have invested heavily in Wiggins and Poole. They drafted Wiseman Kuminga and Moody all with good picks. They are changing and it wouldn’t seem wrong for you to move onto something else too. Curry can adapt and fits the new wave but your still the old school leader and I think you leaving clears the way for the next wave.
That and I think the pistons would offer you a really good deal to return back home to finish your career. Finish your career closer to home, trying to help the young guys and teach them how to win. Build the right culture, set the tone and motivate everyone and be the leader.
Think they have something really good with Dwayne Casey, Cade and Jaden then there just a bunch of talented bigs. You help them get better and set them up as a playoff team and title challenger it just adds to the legacy. Then once your 35 or so you can either continue to be the locker room guy like UD or you can go have some fun for your final year or two, go to LA or Miami play with LeBron or something like that.
He is going to Boston to finish up. No player from the Detroit area has ever finished up there.
There’s a reason for that.
Well said Simmons, I think I would agree with everything you wrote and all your points. Good post.
Green and Detroit seem like a good fit. 3 years 55-60.
Normally, I would agree, but Draymond didn’t fare to well when the Warriors weren’t winning…
So, with that being said, idk how he would act if he joined the Pistons and then they weren’t winning like he thought they would. I tend to think he’d become more of a distraction than anything else. Plus, idk if he would mesh really well with a mostly young core…
That’s just speculation on my part though, I could easily be wrong.
Opt out of $27,000,000? The ego stroke of being the only person to ever do that isn’t worth the $20,000,000 lost for that season. Draymond is ultra sharp and trying to build up a post career brand.
He’s a bully who punches his team mates…
Just what every team needs…
Jordan Poole had some turnovers last night. Divincenzo had 7 boards, 2 steals, 6 points. Very Gary Payton II-like stats. I thought they played well last night. Good outing for the team. The second unit carried the team last night. Nice change from the norm this season.
Playing Draymond Green with that second unit has worked wonders for them. Genius move by Kerr and the coaching staff. Either that or one of a number of things they were willing to try and this one worked.
the evidence for the dump Dray campaign is everywhere, but he’s still the heartbeat of both the offence and the defense. JK is coming along to replace him in that role, as are other team members to offer added support, but I don’t think any of the Dubs brain trust favors throwing the baby out with the bath water, because that’s what it would be. His role in solidifying the second unit shows his worth to the team. However, it also improves his trade value for a team with young players that need a fire plug to push them onto the next level, and there will be several of them next year.