Phoenix Suns acquire wing in proposed Jae Crowder trade
The Phoenix Suns are still looking to orchestrate a trade for wantaway forward Jae Crowder, with the franchise hopeful of making a deal before the start of the NBA regular season.
Soon after Crowder’s trade request, it was reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers had interest in adding the 32-year-old, with Cedi Osman initially proposed as the player Phoenix should target in return.
With the Cleveland Cavaliers having reported interest in Jae Crowder, should the Phoenix Suns target Caris Levert in a potential trade?
Rather than Osman, who has equivalent salary to Crowder, Bleacher Report’s Zach Buckley thinks Phoenix should be looking at 28-year-old Caris Levert. His expiring deal of just under $19 million means the Suns would need to throw in another player, with Buckley proposing Landry Shamet in the two-for-one swap.
"“Phoenix could go different directions with its return—Osman has been mentioned as a possible target—but LeVert’s shot creation could make him a priority”, Buckley writes."
LeVert, at his best, would solve Phoenix’s major issue as a shot-creating combo guard. With Cameron Johnson becoming a starter in place of Crowder, and with the Suns bench devoid of a genuine sixth man as a result, Levert could come in and fill that role with aplomb.
His efficiency has been the biggest issue in his game, with LeVert a career 43.7% from the floor and 33.3% from three-point range. He’s also a below average defender, having recorded a -1.2 defensive box plus-minus last season. Lastly, he has an extensive injury and health history, part of which hasn’t been his fault.
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Despite those question marks, LeVert would fit perfectly in Phoenix, even if he doesn’t provide the three-and-D style of Crowder. He can provide much needed scoring off the bench, and just as importantly, can add some playmaking elements to lessen the load on Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Even if things went wrong, it’s an expiring deal that Phoenix could unload at season’s end or even more at the trade deadline if required.