The Phoenix Suns have begun the season 1-1 after a comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks and a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime. Meanwhile, veteran forward Jae Crowder continues to remain away from the team as the two sides work on a trade.
Crowder’s absence has been amplified by injury issues for his starting replacement, Cameron Johnson, over the first two games, leaving the Suns incredibly short-handed at the forward positions.
The Phoenix Suns are still looking to orchestrate a trade for Jae Crowder as their bench depth remains tested through the first period of the NBA season.
Bleacher Report’s Greg Schwartz has outlined one trade for every NBA team, including two that involve the Suns and Crowder. Here is the first one that sees Phoenix acquire another veteran:
This would be a home run deal for the Suns, giving them a much needed boost in offensive creativity. The 33-year-old Gordon is showing no signs of slowing down, having averaged 14 points, 2.5 rebounds and four assists over the first two games of the season. Shamet, like Crowder, has missed the start of the season, so acquiring Gordon would simply be an addition to what we’ve already seen this season.
It’s unlikely Houston would accept such a deal, with the rebuilding franchise wanting pick/s if they’re to deal Gordon. Here is the second trade that may be more realistic:
This one is less desirable from a Phoenix perspective, even if White holds comparative value to Crowder. The 6’4″ guard is averaging six points, five rebounds and 2.5 assists through two games, while also shooting 40% from three-point range. The issue is that, although he can provide some ball-handling and playmaking elements, he’s not a genuine backup point-guard that solves the Suns issues in that area.
You’d have to envisage that Phoenix would quickly tick off the Gordon trade, but the Celtics one is a little more complicated, especially when you’re dealing with a championship contender. While it wouldn’t be an absolutely horrible deal, the upside probably isn’t worth the price of doing business.