Did Suns Miss Out on Rui Hachimura?

The Phoenix Suns are still in search of finding a trade destination for Jae Crowder. That search - one way or another - won't last very long with just 17 days remaining until the NBA's Feb. 9 trade deadline comes and goes.

It's not as if the Suns have been absent on discussions for Crowder, as plenty of reported trade packages and teams have come and gone. One of which came from the Washington Wizards when they offered Rui Hachimura in exchange for Crowder.

Phoenix quickly declined after they requested a "starting-caliber player" per NBA insider Marc Stein.

That was before Christmas. Now, Hachimura finds himself on the Los Angeles Lakers after the Wizards received three second-round picks and guard Kendrick Nunn according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

The Lakers and Wizards are still finalizing the second-round picks in the deal, a conversation that's included a 2023 via Chicago and LA's own in 2029, sources tell ESPN. The Lakers have seven second-round picks available to include in a trade. https://t.co/vVXRSkP0uf
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 23, 2023

Hachimura has yet to start a game thus far for Washington, as he's averaged 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists on 48.8% shooting. He's also set to be a restricted free agent this summer.

He's shown when given the opportunity, he can do damage.

Rui Hachimura when playing 20+ mpg this year:

• 14.8 PPG
• 4.8 RPG
• 51.6% FG
• 36.5% 3pt
• 24 games

He’s 6’8 & 230 & only 24 years old

Welcome to the Lakers 🤞🤞 pic.twitter.com/rWSA4tFK7d
— 🌟Fake (@LALeBron23) January 23, 2023

Hachimura established a career-high of 30 points against the Suns just a few games after they reportedly declined his services.

No Lakers* have made over 40% of their catch-and-shoot 3s this season

Rui Hachimura has made 85 of 206 (41.3%) catch-and-shoot 3s over his last two seasons.

*Among 7 with at least 100 such tries pic.twitter.com/IYtCsU2GRl
— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) January 23, 2023

The Lakers hope to keep momentum up after going 8-4 in their last 12 games, and many believe Hachimura only strengthens their roster that's just one game removed from the play-in tournament as of this morning.

So, did the Suns miss out on Hachimura's services?

That's entirely up to what Phoenix is capable of getting on the market for Crowder. The biggest rumored name in Kyle Kuzma is now expected to stay in Washington, and hopes look bleak for the Suns to get their coveted starting-caliber player.

If Phoenix gets absolutely nothing in return for Crowder? Hindsight being 20/20, they absolutely should have pulled the trigger on a deal for Hachimura.

The Suns reportedly now have told teams they're willing to part with first-round picks in potential trades, so we'll see if that can up the ante in terms of available prospects.

Yet as time continues to tick, the idea of Hachimura providing solid minutes off the bench may have slipped through Phoenix's hands.