Mock Trade Sends Jae Crowder to Cleveland
The Phoenix Suns and Jae Crowder aren't going to patch things up.
That was evident after a series of rumors and tweets through the summer, which was emphasized by the two sides mutually agreeing on Crowder's absence before Media Day.
There were some pleas by fans to try and work things out with Crowder after Cam Johnson tore his meniscus and needed surgery. His absence will span 1-2 months according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, and now Phoenix's depth will take another hit.
However, the nail was driven into the coffin when Windhorst also reported Crowder wouldn't be rejoining the team.
We're ten games into the regular season, and Crowder has yet to be moved.
However, as the season begins to form and mold teams into what reality dictates, trade possibilities soon turn into actual conversations.
In Bleacher Report's recent article detailing trades fans would love to see, Crowder finally finds a new home in Cleveland:
Cleveland Cavaliers receive: Jae Crowder
Phoenix Suns receive: Cedi Osman, Lamar Stevens and a 2023 second-round pick
"The Cavaliers have sprinted to an 8-1 start with the league's best net rating (plus-12.0 points per 100 possessions), so they may not be in the market for a trade," said B/R.
"Still, if this club is thinking about championship potential—and given the level it has already reached with Donovan Mitchell, it absolutely should be—it might wonder whether it has enough two-way talent on the wings to embark on a title trek. If the Cavs answer that inquiry with anything other than a resounding "Yes!," they should phone Phoenix and get the exiled Crowder back on the court.
"His potential may not appear much better than Osman's, who has given Cleveland good minutes out of the gate. Come playoff time, though, the Cavaliers would benefit from Crowder's experience, defensive versatility, physicality and toughness. If his three-ball is regularly finding the mark—he's a career 34.6 percent shooter from range but has twice cleared 38 percent—he might even force his way into the closing lineup.
"As for the Suns, Crowder's exit has probably already taken longer than expected, but it's a trickier trade to execute than you'd think. While he should hold ample appeal among win-now shoppers, he is also being shopped by a win-now team that would want win-now pieces in return, at least one of which would need to help cover for Crowder's absence.
"Osman could be that player. His name surfaced in Crowder trade talks between Phoenix and Cleveland, per Marc Stein, and his value has only increased since. His jack-of-all-trades game should allow him to find his niche more often than not.
"The Suns' needs at forwards are also climbing with Cameron Johnson heading under the knife with a torn meniscus, so they'd appreciate the inclusion of Stevens, who offers positional versatility on defense and a tremendous motor."
This is a deal that could benefit both sides, as the Cavaliers are just one or two pieces away from truly becoming a contender in the East, while the Suns receiver adequate compensation for somebody who isn't even playing for them at the moment.
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