Report: Jae Crowder Would Welcome Return to Heat

The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson reports a possible reunion could be in the works.

The Phoenix Suns have been at the forefront of nearly every headline, magazine, article and NBA tabloid since their dismissal from the postseason. 

Although not a major storyline such as the Kevin Durant/Deandre Ayton sagas, the status of power forward Jae Crowder has been one to monitor over the summer. 

Crowder has alluded to him wanting a new chapter in his career. 

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.. GROWTH IS OPTIONAL.!! I BELIEVE ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE… I WANNA CONTINUE GROWING.!

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) August 1, 2022

Since that tweet, a flurry of reports and rumors surrounding Crowder and his exit have hit the shelves. 

Arizona Sports' John Gambadoro reported the Suns were in the market to acquire a new power forward, while just a few days ESPN NBA insider Brian Windhorst confirmed that Phoenix was active in trade talks while using Crowder as a centerpiece. 

From all angles, Crowder might just be gone. But where could he go? 

A potential reunion with the Miami Heat (a team he helped get to the NBA Finals) could be in store according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. 

"We hear Jae Crowder would welcome a return to the Heat and ESPN's Brian Windhorst—while not mentioning the Heat or any team—said the Phoenix Suns are 'in trade negotiations right now. A lot of them are centered around Crowder. Crowder is a player who is available on the market right now.'"

The South Florida Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman dove into why  a potential deal would be tough between the two teams:

"As for the math, Jae is due $10.2 million this coming season on the final year of the three-year contract he signed when he left the Heat in 2020 free agency after helping lead the Heat to the 2020 NBA Finals. Because the Heat do not have available cap space and lack a trade exception, they would have to send out matching salary for such a trade. And that math simply is not there at the moment unless the Suns were willing to take on Duncan Robinson (who also is a needed chip for a potential bigger deal) or Tyler Herro (which is not happening). In fact, until Victor Oladipo becomes trade eligible at midseason, it would appear the numbers don’t work. "

Crowder, at 32-years-old, is set to become a free agent next offseason. 

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