11 Wildcard trade candidates ahead of the deadline

NBA Trade Candidate: Jae Crowder

As the Phoenix Suns continue to struggle with injuries, the absence of forward Jae Crowder is becoming harder and harder to ignore. Crowder has yet to play this season despite being a key contributor at each stop of his NBA career. Crowder’s absence isn’t due to injury, however, and he and the Suns have agreed to find a new team for him.

While that was a mutual decision, the Suns have taken their sweet time moving on from him. Phoenix could absolutely use some reinforcements as they continue to slide down the standings. Unlike other players on this list, Crowder is all but certain to be traded, but to whom is the question.

Milwaukee seemed to be the likely destination, but a deal fell through and there have been no reports about the two sides picking up trade talks. Additionally, the Suns have expressed interest in Washington Wizards power forward Kyle Kuzma and Atlanta Hawks power forward John Collins, but they haven’t pulled the trigger on a deal for either.

Both players could help them by giving the team more offensive firepower, but perhaps Phoenix is perusing the trade market for a bigger deal. In addition to Crowder, they also have Dario Saric’s expiring contract and are expected to be willing to give up a first-round pick if needed.

A title contender rarely has at least $20 million in expendable salary and a first-round pick to offer, and the Suns are undoubtedly kicking the tires on bigger deals before potentially revisiting proposals with the Wizards, Hawks, and Bucks.