Reports: Jae Crowder uninterested to play for Phoenix Suns despite Cam Johnson’s injury
BEfore the start of the season, Jae Crowder and the Phoenix Suns' management had a fallout, resulting in the forward requesting a trade. With Cameron Johnson's injury, he was expected to play, but he's shown how apathetic he is towards the team.
During the Suns' game against the Portland Trailblazers on Nov. 4, Johnson tore the meniscus in his right knee. They lost the game 108-106 due to lack of firepower and Jerami Grant's controversial game-winner. The coaching staff had no choice but to put Torrey Craig in the starting lineup.
With Johnson out, Phoenix has fallen to a 7-3 record, third in the Western Conference. Crowder, who's still signed with the team, reportedly isn't interested in suiting up for the squad. According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the 6-foot-6 forward has no plans of returning to the team.
"Despite Johnson’s injury, there is no change to the situation with Crowder, and there are no current plans for him to return to the team, sources said," Windhorst wrote.
Report: Jae Crowder still not willing to suit up for Phoenix Suns despite Cameron Johnson’s injury ahnfiredigital.com/nba/phoenix-su…
Since Johnson's injury, the Suns have only won one game. On Monday night against the Phliadelhpia 76ers, Chris Paul was added to the injury list. In the middle of the second quarter, Paul was seen hobbling up and headed straight to the locker room, reportedly for heel soreness.
In addition to Paul's injury, Deandre Ayton also suffered one. In the middle of the game, Ayton landed awkwardly and was seen holding his left ankle. Good thing for the Suns, the Bahamian big man was able to return. But it was rather too late as the Sixers had built a huge lead in their 100-88 win.
With their current state, Devin Booker is tasked with doing more. The Suns will return to action on Wednesday against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Also read: What happened between Phoenix Suns and forward Jae Crowder and why is he inactive while being available for trade: All you need to know
Trade options for Jae Crowder
The absence of Jae Crowder has opened up a ton of problems for the Suns. He's refusing to play games for the team to help his trade value. There are only a few options for the Suns at this point, narrowing it down to three options.
Here are some alternatives for the Suns in the trade market.
Rudy Gay
Rudy Gay is in the twilight years of his career, but he's still a capable contributor. Right now, he's with the Utah Jazz playing fewer minutes compared to last season. He can space the floor and hold his ground on zone defenses.
Nicolas Batum
Trading Crowder for Nicolas Batum seems impossible. The LA Clippers value him so much. He's a versatile player who could be useful for Phoenix. He's playable in every position and willing to share the ball, perfect for Monty Williams' system.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony is a free agent. But the Suns could trade Jae Crowder for a few future assets and sign Anthony. Melo may be older, but he's a better scorer than the disgruntled forward.
Also read: Watch: Jae Crowder posts hyped-up practice tape as his situation with Phoenix Suns remains unresolved