Watch: Jae Crowder posts hyped up practice tape as his situation with Phoenix Suns remains unresolved
Jae Crowder posted a video on Twitter showcasing his workout as he forces himself out of Phoenix. Over the summer, it was reported that the frustrated forward is done playing for the Phoenix Suns organization, making him an available trade asset.
As one of the many active NBA players on Twitter, Crowder took the opportunity to show everyone that he's ready to contribute to any team. By posting a video, the 6-foot-6 forward seems to be ready to get traded. Crowder even gave the video the caption "99:99 AM."
99:99 AM 🕰 🥷🏾 https://t.co/fp7dWmxMx2
The Suns have reached notable success over the past few seasons, and Jae Crowder has been a significant part of it. But during the offseason, there seems to have been fallout from both sides. The defensive-minded forward posted a series of mysterious tweets that referred to the Suns organization not wanting him.
ONE MUST SEEK WORK WHERE HE IS WANTED.. WHERE HE IS NEEDED.! I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT THESE PAST 2 YRS HAVE TAUGHT ME.! NOW I MUST TAKE ON ANOTHER CHALLENGE WITH CONTINUED HARDWORK & DEDICATION.! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CLOSED THE DOOR ON ME…. THANK YOU! 99 BACK SOON.! 🥷🏾🤫🤐
On the same day, The Athletic's Shams Charania reported that both Crowder and the Suns have mutually agreed to a trade. However, general manager James Jones hasn't found a suitable trade partner for number 99.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst even confirmed that Phoenix has been active in trading Crowder this season. It's just a matter of time before the team gets a favorable trade proposal for the forward.
"Jae Crowder is a player who's available on the market right now," Windhorst said.
The Suns will play against the Portland Trail Blazers on November 4.
Even without Jae Crowder, the Suns are still winning
The Suns are once again at the top of the Western Conference. So far, they've proven they're still a threat by starting the season with a record of 6-1. Through all this, the team has done exceptional work without the help of Jae Crowder, who was the starting power forward for the past two seasons.
The starting power forward role has been given to Cameron Johnson this year, and he's been doing excellent work so far. Compared to Crowder's stats last season, Cam Johnson has been a better fit for the starting five. Although he isn't a defensive specialist, he's shot the ball from downtown better.
During the Suns' game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the 6-foot-9 forward led the team in scoring. Johnson had 29 points, including seven made 3-pointers to win the game. Compared to Jae Crowder, he's a better floor spacer for Phoenix, knocking down 44% of his long-distance shots.
However, Mikal Bridges' defensive responsibilities doubled, as Johnson isn't a defensive expert. Opposing teams tend to force matchup switches on the fourth-year forward, making him a big target on defense. Good thing he can make it up for the team by being one of the most reliable snipers from deep.
By the looks of it, the Suns are once again taking over the league. Despite Chris Paul's offensive struggles, Phoenix remains on top. It's just a matter of being consistent until the playoffs arrive. The Suns have a real shot at winning the title this year and Jae Crowder could miss out on it.