The curious case of Jae Crowder should be resolved over the next two weeks. If not, there’s more drama on the way regarding the veteran forward.
Crowder has been sitting out this season while awaiting a trade. We’ve seen veteran players in similar situations in recent seasons but this one has a twist. Normally, they’re stuck on a rebuilding team and awaiting a trade to a contender instead of languishing on the bench behind young players earmarked for developmental minutes — think John Wall in Houston.
Crowder chose this path with an organization that won a league-best 64 regular-season games a year ago. He was reportedly frustrated that he was about to lose his starting job and didn’t receive an extension on his three-year contract, which expires at the end of this season.
Phoenix had some legitimate reasons for its reluctance to extend Crowder. The Suns have some major salary cap issues for the next three seasons, especially after matching the Pacers’ offer sheet for Deandre Ayton. A dicey ownership situation also factored into the equation.
Crowder is also 32 years old in a league that has gotten increasingly younger over the years. While he’s considered a 3-and-D specialist, his 34.6 percent career average from deep isn’t particularly noteworthy.
He did play key roles for two teams that reached the Finals – the Heat in 2020 and Suns in 2021. Miami, as well as the Bucks and Hawks, are among the teams reportedly interested in him.
It’s surprising that Crowder hasn’t already been dealt, particularly after mid-December, when many players who signed free agent contracts last offseason became trade-eligible.
According to a recent report, the Suns have been holding out for two of the following for Crowder: A first-round pick, a good young player, and a solid rotation player.
It’s likely they’ll have to drop the price tag to deal Crowder. The acquiring team can’t even be sure how much he’ll help them this season after sitting out for so long. Crowder has reportedly been working out regularly in the Atlanta area but there’s a difference between being in good physical condition and being in basketball shape.
If he’s not traded, it could get even messier. He could choose to sit out the whole season, finally rejoin the team or give back some of this season’s salary in a buyout and then choose his destination after clearing waivers.
That leads us to our poll: Which team will Jae Crowder play for this season, or will he play at all? Vote and then head to the comments to weigh in with your thoughts.
Daycare with all the other cry babies.
So you think he’s going to the Lakers?
Can’t wait until he is finally traded. So much ink spilled over an aging, disgruntled role player.
True. So tired of the Reddish and Crowder stories. Neither is a starter on a contending team.
Phoenix has overvalued Crowder in trade talks and overplayed their hand. I believe they will be lucky, at this point, to get a 2nd. A buyout is more likely after the deadline.
James Jones essentially lost his job if he ends up with Buyout with Crowder, that would make him look HORRIBLE around the league. He’d be in the Rob Pelinka and Tommy Sheppard bad territory of current GMs. Suns played this entirely wrong from the start and they may have no way out. Giving the Nets an unprotected pick for Shamet, passing on Haliburton for Stix and his philosophy being that the draft is not a good way to build a contending team will be his downfall. Jae Crowder buyout would be the last domino
I think the Suns will eventually trade Jae Crowder for a 2nd round and an decent role player on an expiring contract. That is better than losing him for nothing since their asking price is too high (LoL at the 1st round pick, a good young and/or good role player).
A buyout would be possible if there are no takers but that depends on the amount of money that Crowder will give back.
Sixers
For Thybulle? Sixers get similar Defender and a slightly better shooter. Suns get out of this horrible situation.
Finally, a Crowder swap reasonable for both teams.
Yeah no thanks
Suns and Crowder up “brown” creek now. Likes of Hornets, Jazz and Pistons all selling now with much better players to offer, Crowders asking price has been a too high, when he was only player available the could’ve got an okay return. They should’ve moved him before other teams started to make players available.
Crowder is seeing why this is a stars league. Hoping they just swallow this contract, and he’s not signed for more the minimum next season or not at all. Don’t want this to be a thing for no name players.