Chris Haynes gives the latest update on 2x NBA Finalist to NBA on TNT crew
TNT sideline reporter Chris Haynes answered some questions NBA legend Charles Barkley had regarding his former team, the Phoenix Suns. With specific reference to two-time NBA finalist Jae Crowder, Haynes reported on the team's dealings regarding the forward.
The Phoenix Suns have found themselves in an odd situation with Jae Crowder. After a rather fruitful couple of seasons with Crowder, where he emerged as a core member of the roster, the two parties agreed upon parting ways.
This stems from the fact that Phoenix has opted to focus on the development of Cam Johnson, who took over Crowder's starting role. Considering that Crowder wanted to be a starter, the forward voiced his desire to be traded prior to training camp.
In light of his trade request, Crowder has garnered the attention of several teams in the league. Unfortunately, the Suns have failed to find a deal.
Considering that we are a week into the season and the forward is still out of the NBA, Charles Barkley voiced his doubts on "NBA on TNT." Chris Haynes addressed these questions when he said:
"Well, obviously, he has been sitting home. They were supposed to - both sides, his agent and the Suns - thought they were going to come to an agreement on a trade before the season started. Things have been prolonged. So right now, he is sitting away from the team.
"I talked to him a little bit to this point. We're going to talk a little bit later. So, hopefully I will have some updates on his situation. But right now what he told me is that, he's playing everyday. He's in the best shape possible of his career and he's just ready to get back out there on the court."
Haynes added:
"Right now, it's really just up to the Phoenix Suns. To try to find the best deal that they think is going to fit to acquire the services of a two-way player such as Jae Crowder."
"He's in the best shape possible of his career and he's just ready to get back out there on the court."
@ChrisBHaynes gives an update on the current status of Jae Crowder and the Suns https://t.co/XFJCuxwRBy
While Jae Crowder remains on the market, several teams have voiced their interest in acquiring him. Given his skillset and experience as well, the veteran forward could certainly add a lot of value to any team's roster.
NBA teams showing interest in acquiring Jae Crowder
Two-time NBA finalist Jae Crowder has a lot of potential suitors lining up to acquire him at the moment. Although the Phoenix Suns haven't managed to make a trade work, the organization has their fair share of options to pick from.
One of the early candidates in the Crowder sweepstakes was the Atlanta Hawks. Given their playoff aspirations this season, the Hawks could have benefitted from acquiring Crowder. However, considering that they had a talented forward in De'Andre Hunter, the Hawks opted to focus on his development.
With the Hawks out of the sweepstakes, the major players at the moment are the Eastern Conference giants, the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Miami Heat are closely linked to the forward as he was a core member of the team that made it to the finals in 2020. Meanwhile, the Bucks are the team that beat the Suns in the 2021 finals.
While both teams have immense potential to offer in exchange for Crowder, Miami continues to have the best odds of landing him at the moment.