Who the Phoenix Suns should target in wake of Cavaliers’ Crowder interest
The Cleveland Cavaliers reportedly have interest in wantaway Phoenix Suns veteran Jae Crowder, according to The Athletic’s Joe Vardon.
Crowder’s been absent from the beginning of Suns training camp as he and the franchise work on a trade following a relatively successful two-year partnership.
The Cavaliers interest continues an aggressive offseason following the addition of All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, while there’s a sense of irony given Crowder’s unsuccessful stint in Cleveland back at the start of the 2018-19 season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ reported interest in Jae Crowder could open an opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to acquire a like-for-like replacement.
Given the acquisition of Mitchell has made them a luxury tax team, any Cavaliers trade would force to exchange equivalent salary. That’s a positive sign for the Suns as they search for adequate compensation.
The player that makes the most sense here is Cedi Osman, the 27-year-old from Turkey who’s about to enter his sixth season in the league. Not only does it make sense from a salary perspective, but it’s a trade that Phoenix may be open to.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv-5nVY9Dc0
Would Osman being a downgrade from Crowder? Yes, but only slightly. While he isn’t a starting caliber player necessarily, he’s proven himself a regular rotation member who can produce 20+ minutes per game. Last season he averaged 10.7 points in just over 22 minutes per game, shooting 43.2% from the field and 35.7% from three on over five attempts per game.
In replacing Crowder, Osman could provide the Suns with slightly better and more consistent shooting, without the rugged defense and veteran experience. What’s better is he has a decreasing yearly salary, with a non-guaranteed deal of $6.7 million for next season.
His contract doesn’t exactly lineup with Crowder’s, meaning that Cleveland would have to throw in a minimum contract player. Perhaps that would be Lamar Stevens, another wing who could gain minutes in the Suns rotation.
Honestly, the Cavaliers may not view Crowder as enough of an upgrade from Osman to make it happen. But unfortunately for them, their hands are tied on offering a different alternative. The only other options around that salary range are three young players who’d be clearly off the table – Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Isaac Okoro.
dark. Next. 2 young point-guards for the Phoenix Suns to target
Trading with Cleveland may be the best of an unfortunate situation for Phoenix. Not only would it be sending Crowder to the Eastern Conference, but they should get something reasonable in return should a deal ultimately eventuate.