ESPN Sends Jae Crowder to Milwaukee in NBA Trade Predictions

The NBA trade deadline is quickly approaching. Will the Phoenix Suns ever rid themselves of Jae Crowder? In ESPN's latest piece, they do just that in an exchange with the Milwaukee Bucks.

We're exactly 22 days from the NBA's trade deadline, but it's not like the Phoenix Suns are counting. 

The Suns have lost their last nine-of-ten games and quickly need help while a heap of their players return from the injury list. While there are some players on the roster that could be involved in a potential trade, the obvious starts with power forward Jae Crowder. 

Crowder hasn't played this year and a team trading for him will surely be risking only gaining him for half a season as Crowder is currently in the final year of his contract. 

A flurry of rumors and potential packages have followed the Suns as the Feb. 9 deadline approaches, yet in their recent piece predicting trades for the Western Conference, ESPN believes Crowder could ultimately wind up heading to the Milwaukee Bucks. 

"Crowder can help a playoff contender looking for depth in the frontcourt. He has appeared in 107 playoff games, including back-to-back NBA Finals with Miami and Phoenix in 2020 and 2021," said Bobby Marks. 

"Offensively, Crowder has primarily become a 3-point shooter with 67% of his shots coming from beyond the arc last season. However, he shot 35% on 3-pointers last season, down from 39% in 2020-21. Those struggles continued into the 2022 playoffs, where he made 30% of his 3-pointers.

"Crowder has not played in an NBA game since last May, and teams likely view acquiring him as a three-month rental because of his expiring $10.2 million contract."

Proposed Trade

Milwaukee Bucks receive: Jae Crowder

Phoenix Suns receive: Pat Connaughton and Jordan Nwora.

Would this trade be considered a loss for the Suns in their pursuit for a "starting caliber player"? Connaughton/Nwora have combined to start 16 total games this season for Milwaukee. 

The Bucks have reportedly shown interest in Crowder previously, but if Phoenix truly sticks to their guns and keeps their standards high, they won't even contemplate this deal.