Jae Crowder Trade Would Be Difference-Maker for Warriors, Contenders amid NBA Rumors

Veteran forward Jae Crowder hasn't played a single minute for the Phoenix Suns this season after mutually agreeing to find him a new home, but that hasn't diminished the number of teams rumored to be chasing after a trade for him.

The reason for the steadfast interest from contenders across the NBA? Crowder can be a difference-maker on a team looking to make a deep playoff run this year.

B/R's Eric Pincus recently reported that the Suns "have several suitors" in trade talks for Crowder, namely the Atlanta Hawks, Milwaukee Bucks and Golden State Warriors. Pincus added that an executive speculated that the "final result could be a multi-team trade with three, four or even five NBA franchises."

Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports stated that the Hawks are "in the mix" for Crowder, while describing the Bucks as the "other main suitor" to secure a deal for the swingman.

Per Sam Amico of Hoopswire, the Miami Heat "should still be considered a 'serious' suitor" for Crowder after the reported mutual interest dating back to the offseason. Sean Deveney of Heavy.com was told by a Western Conference executive that the Dallas Mavericks "are exploring a move" to bring in the 32-year-old.

Each team rumored to be pursuing Crowder made the playoffs in 2021-22. The way he is coveted around the league is indicative to how he's viewed as a key piece by franchises in contention.

A three-and-D specialist who has played for seven teams in his 10-year career, Crowder averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 67 games last season. While those numbers won't "wow" many, Spencer Richardson of Heavy.com stated that Crowder's plus/minus per 100 possessions of plus-10.6 was the best mark in the NBA.

Crowder is able to impact the game in ways that don't show up on the stat sheet. He's a strong wing defender and a respected veteran who can fit into any locker room.

A few teams rumored to be interested in trading for Crowder can desperately use his services. The Warriors rank 28th in the NBA in scoring defense at 117.5 points per game, while the Hawks aren't much better at 114.7 points per game. The Mavs and Heat have stout defenses but struggle with efficiency, ranking in the bottom-third in the league with opponents shooting 47.2 and 47.3 percent, respectively, against them.

If the Bucks were to land Crowder, it would be the rich getting richer as Milwaukee already boasts one of the top all-around defenses in the NBA. Pairing him with defensive standouts Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday would create a three-headed monster capable of shutting down any opposing offense.

While Phoenix's asking price for Crowder reportedly is high, he would be worth it if he lands in the right situation. The Marquette alum is still chasing his first NBA championship, so he will surely be motivated to help his new team contend for a title.