Report: Suns Could Receive These Three Players in Jae Crowder-to-Bucks Deal

We're ten days away from the NBA's trade deadline, and the Phoenix Suns are reportedly gaining traction on a deal for power forward Jae Crowder.

The divorce between the two sides apparently started over the summer, when the Suns decided to appoint Cam Johnson as the starter over Crowder and things spiraled from there. Crowder didn't want a reduced role and also was looking to have his contract extended before he hit free agency in the coming offseason - the Suns were unwilling to move on both.

Crowder hasn't played all season thanks to an excused absence from the organization that began the night prior to the team's Media Day. All season long, Phoenix has battled without one of the core pieces to their success in recent years.

The Suns have engaged in various trade talks but ultimately fell short in a few different facets. Now - with the clock ticking - things are getting serious according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.

"Meanwhile, the two players whose names have been part of trade talks since the early part of the season are Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder and Atlanta Hawks big man John Collins. It’s expected both teams will continue strong dialogue regarding both as Feb. 9 nears," said Charania.

"In a new development, the Suns have given permission to the Bucks to meet with Crowder, league sources tell The Athletic. The Bucks are believed to be the only team that has received permission to visit one-on-one with Crowder, those sources have also indicated. Multiple teams, including the Miami Heat and Hawks, remain interested in Crowder, who is seen by championship-contending teams as a fortifying acquisition at the deadline."

Milwaukee has been a team constantly linked with Crowder in their attempt to win a second NBA Finals in three seasons, defeating Phoenix in six games back in 2021.

Trade returns for Crowder have been a hot topic, as the Suns have reportedly been unable to budge on their asking price for a starting caliber player. Charania also reported this on what to expect coming back to Phoenix.

Suns Could Receive These Three Players in Jae Crowder-to-Bucks Deal

"Both the Suns and Bucks have engaged in serious trade talks for months, with current proposals surrounding Jordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka and second-round draft compensation to Phoenix for Crowder, according to sources."

Charania also reports a third team is still being acquired to better facilitate a deal.

Jordan Nwora is a small forward that's averaging 6.1 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 assist per game on 16 minutes nightly.

George Hill is a point guard that's averaging 5.1 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 19.6 minutes nightly.

Serge Ibaka is a center/power forward who has averaged 4.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 11.6 minutes nightly. Just last week, Ibaka and the Bucks agreed to mutually part ways via trade.

It's safe to say most Suns fans would absolutely hate this trade:

James would get absolutely flamed on here https://t.co/4x5DGcBWCl
— Jacob Hernanskey (@SunsGoat) January 30, 2023

The second-round picks don't exactly move the needle either, yet it's tough to forecast an acceptable trade given everything that's transpired with Crowder over the last few months.

Names across the league such as Duncan Robinson, John Collins, Rui Hachimura and Kyle Kuzma were just some of the numerous linked with the Suns in trade talks. Phoenix has reportedly been stingy in their negotiations and some believe their asking price for Crowder was too high.

Now - with just ten days left until the trade deadline - it appears the Suns might not exactly have their demands met from earlier in the season if the aforementioned names from Milwaukee are set to arrive in Phoenix.