As the Phoenix Suns continue to get ravaged by injuries, veteran forward Jae Crowder continues to sit at home collecting paychecks. After a solid campaign with Phoenix last season, Crowder was thought to be a crucial part of their rotation heading into the 2022-23 campaign.
Unfortunately, Crowder has not played a single game since last year’s playoffs, and nobody is quite sure why.
Even amidst injuries and room for Crowder to start, there have been no reports of a plan to suit up for the franchise again. According to Crowder, who recently issued a statement about the ordeal, it was the Suns who betrayed him first.
“I’ve spoken to every player that I’ve played with on that team and they all have stressed how much they miss [me] and respect my decision, and I’m thankful for their understanding,” Crowder told B/R via text message. “This move of pushing me out the door was a blindsided hit to not only me but my teammates, as you can see from speaking to them and myself and the conversations we’ve had behind closed doors. I will continue to prepare myself daily for battle once the call is made and continue to be a leader on the court, locker room, as well as off the court. I am thankful my teammates appreciated my leadership. I’m confused and hurt my coaches didn’t appreciate the things I brought to our team and organization. And this has nothing to do with financial or contract differences.”
With the Suns at 21-22 on the season, they could use all the help they can get right now, and Crowder is someone who could make an impact for them in all the right ways.
Sadly, it seems the Suns have burned that bridge, and there’s no going back to how things used to be.
Several NBA Teams Are In The Running For Jae Crowder
With the February 9th trade deadline quickly approaching, time is running out for the Suns to make a move. As of writing, they are not yet close to a Crowder deal, but there are a few teams reported to be in contention for his services this season.
“The Suns are continuing to explore potential Jae Crowder trades, with the Bucks, Heat, [Golden State] Warriors and others among those interested, sources told Hoops Wire,” wrote Sam Amico. “The Bucks and Heat are viewed as the frontrunners for the veteran small forward, as the Suns would be hesitant to send him to a Western team, particularly a West contender sources said. “Others expressing an interest in Crowder over the past few weeks, per sources: The [Charlotte] Hornets, [Denver] Nuggets, [Washington] Wizards, [Minnesota] Timberwolves and [New York] Knicks.”
In the right situation, Jae Crowder could thrive as an experienced two-way wing in this league. He was playing well in Phoenix and for the Heat before that, so there’s no reason to doubt he can still play at the highest level.
For whatever reason, the Suns just didn’t value him as they should have, and now they have no choice but to find him a new home or they risk losing him for nothing at all this summer.
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