Phoenix Suns can trade Jae Crowder for pick and a player
Jae Crowder played and started nearly every game for the Suns this past season. Any deal sending him elsewhere would require more than just a draft pick, especially with most opposing teams again carrying little space to take on his contract without dumping someone off in the process.
It was recently reported that the Suns are indeed testing Crowder’s value on the market. He possesses one year remaining on his deal worth just over $10 million. He also just finished off a relatively lackluster season, averaging his fewest points per game since the 2017-18 season.
Have spoken with a few teams that say Jae Crowder's name has been discussed and that Phoenix would move him in the right deal.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 23, 2022
But regardless, whoever the Suns take back along with what’s likely a second rounder given Crowder’s value, this deal will do more for Cameron Johnson than anyone else.
In a Crowder deal, the Suns likely attain a fringe-starter at best, along with a pick in this year’s draft. Neither whoever they burn that pick on nor the player they add as well will come into this summer with a better starting case than Johnson.
This past year, Johnson polished off his defensive play and resembled one of the game’s top 3-point bombers. More often than not, he looked like the better option at power forward over Crowder, so with the Bossman gone, Monty likely hands it over to Johnson without blinking.
This choice might also show that an extension for Johnson is on the horizon. Dumping Crowder and offering up that starting spot is likely something you only do for your power forward of the future, rather than just another rental.