The Phoenix Suns seemed to have built a contending team over the last few seasons. After adding Chris Paul ahead of the 2020-21 season, the Suns were expected to push for a title run before Devin Booker got dissatisfied. They made the 2021 NBA Finals but fell short to the Milwaukee Bucks. The 2022 Playoffs were a disaster for them after a second-round exit at the hands of the underdog Dallas Mavericks.
The Suns went through offseason turmoil this year with the reluctant max-contract extension they handed out to Deandre Ayton after they matched the contract that the Indiana Pacers had offered the star center. With a roster that looks intact heading into the 2022-23 season, it seems the Suns may have to make a move to get rid of a different disgruntled player.
Jae Crowder has added a lot of toughness to this Suns team after he joined them from the Miami Heat. It looks like Crowder is hinting at a move away from the Suns in a cryptic Tweet that he shared.
CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.. GROWTH IS OPTIONAL.!! I BELIEVE ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE… I WANNA CONTINUE GROWING.!
— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) August 1, 2022
Crowder wanting out after the Suns have established themselves as one of the top teams in the league isn’t something many people would have expected. He is in the final year of his contract this season and will hope to secure a hefty contract for the future.
Staying on the Suns helps Crowder prove his value to contending teams. On the other hand, he may need to put himself in a position to put up the best numbers he can to ensure he can get another good contract in the league. With the Suns being as competitive as they are, they probably won’t look for Crowder to stuff the stat sheet every night.
Many contending teams would love to make a move for Crowder and acquire what he brings to the table as a defensive power forward that can stretch the floor. If the Suns grant his request for a change, it’ll be interesting to see where he ends up.
