Jae Crowder to the Milwaukee Bucks has been mentioned in NBA trade rumors for months. Now it seems like it might actually happen.
Shams Charania’s most recent mailbag included a number of notable NBA trade rumors, including a tease that Jae Crowder may finally be on the move. He reported that the Suns gave the Bucks permission to speak to Crowder for a contract extension. The price on Crowder seems to be very low as names mentioned in deals have included Jordan Nwora, George Hill, and Serge Ibaka (who shams said the Bucks are already trying to move).
Jae Crowder hasn’t played any basketball this season amid failed contract negotiations between the Suns and his representation. While you can make a strong argument that it doesn’t make sense to sign an aging wing to a long-term deal, this contract negotiation has been one of the reasons this season hasn’t worked out as well as the Suns hoped.
The value of Crowder’s trade return will be very minimal. Keep in mind, the team that takes him on has to pay an aging player. Shams mentioned in the report that the Bucks would be trading a second-round pick in addition to the players above in the deal. Finally, Shams mentioned that the Suns are trying to get a third team involved in the team to be able to get a forward back in the deal.
Will a Jae Crowder trade help jumpstart the Suns?
This season hasn’t been a fun one for the Suns and it doesn’t look like it will get any better at the trade deadline. As Crowder hasn’t played a game all year, it is almost certain that the 3-and-D player will get traded to a team. The value of his return may bring back a player who can play solid backup wing minutes but the Suns can get much more.
The Bucks certainly have a good chance at winning the title and adding Crowder would give the Bucks another wing defender against the Celtics, Nets, and Sixers. All of those teams have great offensive perimeter creators. While Crowder isn’t good enough to take care of the likes of an All-NBA-type offensive creator by himself, he certainly does improve your perimeter defense.
Check out The Step Back for more news, analysis, opinion and unique basketball coverage. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our daily email newsletter, The Whiteboard.