Report: Suns Most Likely Need Three-Team Deal to Trade Jae Crowder
The Phoenix Suns have less than a month to trade Jae Crowder.
The Feb. 9 deadline is rapidly approaching for general manager James Jones to acquire some help for a roster that desperately needs any healthy (and capable) bodies at the moment.
We've seen names and teams come and go since Crowder first departed the team months ago in what was a mutual agreement, yet nothing significant has materialized.
Now, with the clock ticking, Yahoo! Sports' NBA insider Jake Fischer reports a three-team deal is the most likely way to offload Crowder:
"A three-team framework continues to be the most likely avenue that eventually grants Jae Crowder’s exit out of Phoenix. For the Suns to land a coveted target like Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels, Phoenix could attempt to rope in Milwaukee, for example, where the Bucks have consistently discussed Grayson Allen with rival teams," Fischer said.
"McDaniels, however, is considered a favorite of Charlotte general manager Mitch Kupchak, sources said, and it would likely require more of a return than Allen and the second-round capital Milwaukee can deal to land McDaniels from the Hornets.
"The Suns have also left opposing front offices with the impression Phoenix is searching for greater guard depth, targeting ball handlers who could function as a reserve to Chris Paul and a long-term replacement for the future Hall of Fame floor general."
The Suns reportedly had a three-team deal in the works with Atlanta and Utah before the deal fell through after the Jazz requested too much compensation on their end. The Bucks were engaged in Crowder talks earlier this season as well.
As Fischer mentions, Phoenix has been keen on getting McDaniels but Charlotte has been resistant to letting him go.
As we grow closer to the trade deadline, the rumor mill will only continue to churn until Crowder is dealt. Yet as it stands right now, the complications of a three-team deal may be the best option to move him out.
