After making a blockbuster move to acquire floor general Chris Paul, the Phoenix Suns added another key player to their evolved roster. This is in hopes of finally making it back to the playoffs, especially after their impressive display in the NBA bubble seeding games. The Suns have agreed to sign small forward Jae Crowder to a three-year deal. The deal is worth $36 million, according to Shams Charania.
Phoenix will be Crowder’s seventh team in nine seasons. The veteran recently played with the Miami Heat after being sent there during the trade deadline back in February. He quickly became one of the missing pieces that that booked the Heat a ticket to the NBA Finals. Crowder averaged 11 points, 5 rebounds and 1.3 steals, shooting 48 percent from the field.
Jae Crowder will sign a three-year, $30M deal with the Suns, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/yNYPAZX5Dp
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 21, 2020
Jae Crowder Sign Three-Year Deal With The Phoenix Suns
Crowder’s Role in Phoenix
Acquiring Crowder went well for Miami because his “three-and-d” skills were the ultimate conqueror of small ball. This helped in attacking the backcourts of teams like the Boston Celtics, pushing Miami to reach the Finals.
His size and strength make him a versatile defender, as he can defend the post and the perimeter. Crowder is also is shooting the best in his career from the perimeter.
As a Phoenix Sun, he has the chance to be a key factor in the team making the post-season for the first time since 2010 and be a contender in a deep Western Conference. His presence in the wings will be enough to replace the absence of Kelly Oubre Jr. and enough to make a big impact in the long run.
It remains to be seen if Crowder will start for Phoenix, and if so in which forward position. The Suns now have talented wing depth with Crowder, Mikal Bridges, and Cameron Johnson. Acquiring Crowder is a big move for the Suns.
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