It’s a crucial time for Jones and the Phoenix Suns

The Suns are in the middle of the most crucial part of the season and have been doing well so far. After getting decimated by the Memphis Grizzlies for 30 points and falling three games below .500 at 21-24, things looked bleak.

The next game against the Brooklyn Nets coincided with the return of Cameron Johnson, who came into the game and provided a jolt of energy that the Suns had been missing for a while. They went 4-0 in the next four games, and Chris Paul has come back and played in the last two, although DeAndre Ayton and his low energy have missed the last 3.

Nonetheless, the Suns are starting to get healthy and critical pieces back. Cameron Johnson has been sorely missed, and Chris Paul is back to stabilize the guard spot.

Several additions and changes should give the Suns another bounce

Devin Booker will be re-evaluated in a week, and Cameron Payne is still in a walking boot and hasn’t been shooting yet, seems a ways away.

Their next four games are challenging but winnable Mavericks (Home), Spurs (Away), Raptors (Home), Hawks (Home and possible Booker return), and after that, the Suns go on a five-game road trip against the Celtics, Pistons, Hawks, Nets, and Pacers.

The Suns need to go at least 5-4 and beat three bad and two good teams. Every win is crucial, with the West clumping together at the 4th to 13th spot.

With the All-Star break approaching, a much-needed rest for the team could help them catapult their season and potentially secure a top-four seed.

Additionally, Mikal Bridges has been the one constant for the team in this injury-riddled season, and the break would be most beneficial to him.

Mat Ishbia is also set to take over before the February 9 trade deadline, hopefully speeding up the resolution of this Jae Crowder fiasco to get the Suns much-needed help.

According to Zach Lowe during an episode of the Lowe Post, James Jones is looking to have 2/3 of these in a Jae Crowder Trade.

• A first-round pick
• A good young player
• A solid rotation player

That’s a tough ask for Jae Crowder, who hasn’t played this season. Jones might be overplaying his hand here and might cut it close to the deadline, it would be a miracle if he pulls this off, but I doubt it.

The resolution of this trade will give closure to the Crowder issue and finalize the roster, hopefully setting the Suns on a positive track.