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Max Strus Rumored Suns Target in Jae Crowder Deal

The Phoenix Suns are shopping power forward Jae Crowder - could Miami Heat shooting guard Max Strus come in exchange for the power forward?

The rumor mill continues to churn for Phoenix Suns power forward Jae Crowder, who has not played a single second of basketball for the team after mutually agreeing on his absence ahead of training camp. 

Crowder has seemingly been tied with nearly any team who could use any improvement with his three-and-d services, but perhaps none more than the Miami Heat, a team Crowder previously spent time with that included a trip to the NBA Finals. 

A year after snatching the No. 1 seed in the East, Miami could use an upgrade at the four spot, and Crowder's presence would be welcomed for both team and player according to various reports. 

The math doesn't quite check out on matching salaries for big names in Miami quite yet, but one notable name that has gained traction in trade rumors is Heat shooting guard Max Strus. 

Strus is coming off a hot 31-point performance in Miami's win over Charlotte, adding four rebounds and two assists on 62.5% shooting in relief of Tyler Herro. 

SNY's Ian Begley reported the Suns have been keen on getting Strus back in a potential deal for Crowder:

"One trade that may happen sooner than Dec. 15? Jae Crowder getting moved in Phoenix. Crowder has been away from the team while the Suns canvas the league for potential deals. Miami is among the teams Phoenix has touched base with on a Crowder deal. Per SNY sources, some with Phoenix see Miami's Max Strus as an integral part of any return for Crowder. I'd assume that Miami would be reluctant to move Strus in a deal for Crowder."

The Suns ideally retain any valuable bench depth, an area many analysts felt they were lacking heading into the season. The most recent injury to Cam Johnson has exposed that need even more, though it was last year's postseason run that really showcased the lack of quality. 

Behind Devin Booker and Chris Paul, pieces such as Cameron Payne, Damion Lee and Landry Shamet primarily see minutes, though Strus' presence would be very welcomed in the facility. 

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