Jae Crowder Listed as Potential Trade Target for Six Teams
In this story:
According to a recent Bleacher Report article with updated trade targets for every NBA team, Phoenix Suns power forward Jae Crowder is on the wish lists of many franchises.
Crowder requested a trade out of Phoenix in August hoping to be with a new team by the start of the season. However, the Suns still have not granted the disgruntled 32-year-old’s request.
With the trade deadline approaching in the near future, Crowder’s time to be traded could finally be coming up.
B/R listed the following six teams as ones who should pursue Crowder:
Brooklyn Nets:
The Brooklyn Nets are red hot, sitting as the number two seed in the Eastern Conference with a record of 27-13 and have won their past nine out of ten games.
Aside from superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, nobody on the Nets is averaging over 12 points a game. Brooklyn needs more reliable scoring options and Crowder may be just that guy.
Crowder would be an excellent piece for the Nets starting lineup who would instantly boost the team offensively and defensively. Having two sharp shooters like Crowder and Seth Curry can open up the floor for Durant and Irving to operate.
The only team ahead of the Nets in the Eastern Conference is the Boston Celtics who are extremely tight defensively, locking down the Nets in the first round of the playoffs last year en route to a sweep. Adding Crowder would help match that defensive intensity as he is known to be a gritty defender.
Indiana Pacers:
The Indiana Pacers have been a pleasant surprise this season. They are currently the six seed in the East with a 23-18 record.
It's clear that the Pacers are loaded with young talent across the board headlined by Tyrese Haliburton and Bennedict Mathurin. This young Pacers team has a legit shot at making the playoffs but don’t have a ton of experience.
Crowder has played 107 playoff games and could provide veteran leadership to a young team that needs more experienced players if they want to eventually be a contending team.
Indiana is also at the bottom of the pack on defense, ranking 18th in defensive rating. Crowder is a proven defender who could help the Pacers improve on that side of the ball.
Memphis Grizzlies:
To no one's surprise, the Memphis Grizzlies are one of the top teams in the NBA this season flashing off an impressive 27-13 record.
The Grizzlies have one of the most dominant starting five in the NBA led by Ja Morant followed up by Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson jr. and Steven Adams. However, it's Memphis’ bench that is suspect. Only two players on the Grizzlies bench are averaging over ten points which is a bit concerning.
Memphis is looking to win a championship this season and in order to achieve that will definitely need more depth. They will not have to trade a ton of assets in order to acquire a guy like Crowder who can provide a major spark for this team.
Not to mention, Crowder played the 2019-20 season with the Grizzlies so he can fit right in if traded there.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The Minnesota Timberwolves went all in during this past offseason trading for Rudy Gobert to pair with their two young stars: Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns. The Timberwolves should be emerging as one of the premier teams in the NBA but can’t seem to find a consistent rhythm this year sitting with a below average 20-21 record.
Despite being a primarily younger team, the Timberwolves need to start showing signs of improvement sooner rather than later.
Crowder is an outspoken guy who can add some much needed spice to the locker room. Just his presence alone could help bring up the morale of a team that is currently scratching to make the playoffs.
He can also help take pressure off Edwards on the defensive side of the ball allowing the 21-year-old to take even more of an offensive load.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The Philadelphia 76ers don't have many holes in their roster. The team is anchored by the 7-foot monstar, Joel Embiid while James Harden is the primary ball handler. It has certainly led to success. The Sixers are the four seed in the East with a record of 25-15 and seem to be one of the scariest teams at this point.
Philadelphia’s problem lies in the playoffs. While the Sixers have made the playoffs five seasons in a row, they have failed each of those years to make it out of the second round, almost being known for their playoff failures.
Crowder may not be a superstar, but could make a tremendous impact on the Sixers. Harden is averaging 11 assists this season and the addition of Crowder would leave him with yet another weapon that he can dish to around the three point line.
With the margin so small between the top team in the East, Crowder can be just what Philadelphia needs to get over the hump.
Sacramento Kings:
After years of mediocrity, the Sacramento Kings are finally showing signs of success. The Kings have been one of the most fun teams to watch in the NBA and are currently in the playoffs as the five seed with a record of 21-18.
Similar to the Pacers, Sacramento is a young emerging team that can utilize Crowder's presence.
The Kings currently rank 24th in defensive rating and if they want to make any noise in the playoffs will need to improve on that side of the ball. Crowder himself is not only a great defender but he can also help the young players on the team improve on that aspect of their game.
