Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder was mentioned in NBA trade rumors in November, and a three-team deal involving the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks fell through.
“Multiple league sources have recently engaged the Suns in talks with three teams, including Jae Crowder to Milwaukee, four Bucks second-round draft picks to Houston, and Eric Gordon and/or Kenyon Martin Jr. to Phoenix,” said The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
“Possessed by three potential teams, the Rockets want one first-round pick for Gordon and a very good first-rounder for Martin, not a bunch of second-rounders, sources said. The Rockets have had interest in Gordon from several contending teams, sources said, but they don’t seem willing to entertain Martin’s title.”
“(Phoenix) recently, I was told there was a three-team deal that would send Jae Crowder to Milwaukee.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania He reported on the three-team deal between the Suns, Bucks and Rockets. pic.twitter.com/Gxim3n6dpz
— The Rally (@TheRally) December 12, 2022
According to a pair of NBA betting sites, the Suns have the fifth-best odds to win the championship in 2023. Sportsbooks are giving the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors the best odds to win the Western Conference.
In the year In November 2020, Crowder signed a three-year, $29.16 million contract with the Suns as a free agent. Under his final contract, the 10-year veteran is making $10,183,800 this season.
Suns forward Jae Crowder could have been traded to the Bucks in a three-team deal that included the Rockets
In 67 starts last season, the forward averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He also shot 39.9% from the field and 34.8% from 3-point range.
He also ranks 16th in steals per game, eighth in defensive rating (105.3), 12th in steal percentage (2.4%), 16th in defensive win shares (3.4) and sixth in defensive box plus/minus (2.4).
The wing scored 19 points in Game 3 of a 103-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2022 Western Conference Finals. Crowder shot 7-of-12 (58.3%) from the floor and 5-of-8 (62.5%) from beyond the arc.
They also agreed to sit Jae Crowder and the Suns through training camp and through the 2022-23 season until the team finds a suitable trade partner.
The Suns have recently engaged in talks with three teams, including Jae Crowder to Milwaukee, four Bucks second-round draft picks with players to Houston, and Eric Gordon and/or Kenyon Martin Jr. to Phoenix.
(Via @ShamsCharania ) pic.twitter.com/Dh18wQ0wzB
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) December 12, 2022
If Jae Crowder were traded to the Bucks, it would give an Eastern Conference contender more firepower. As a rookie, he can average double-digit points. So, is Milwaukee a reliable forward to finish off the Boston Celtics with a healthy Khris Middleton?
Offensively, the Bucs are currently a mediocre team. Milwaukee is averaging 112 points per game, 17th overall in the league. And the team is shooting 45.6% from the floor. This is no different for a gaming team.
On the other hand, Giannis Antetokounmpo makes them one of the best defensive teams in the NBA. They are allowing 107.5 points per game, which is second only to the Cleveland Cavaliers (105.1).
With Jae Crowder, the Bucks are one step closer to winning another championship. Barring a serious injury, the former Celtic can prove his worth against any title contender.
