1. Jae Crowder, Phoenix Suns
The Crowder trade rumors are starting back up again, as teams like the Bucks and Heat are trying to butter up James Jones to the point where he finally lets go of his veteran wing-stopper and shooter. Much like Thad Young, Crowder seems like a player Ujiri has had in his crosshairs for years.
Crowder, like many of Ujiri and Nurse’s favorite players, can bang down low in the post while being just as comfortable hanging out on the perimeter for an entire game and sniping away from 3-point range. From a stylistic point of view, there aren’t many better fits for the Raptors.
Will the Toronto Raptors somehow land Jae Crowder?
Considering that Crowder is essentially forcing his way out of a championship situation that could have extended him, he likely will be eyeing trade destinations that can both get him a ring and give him a multi-year deal? Can Toronto be that place at this point in time?
Crowder might be a free agent after this year, but it can be inferred that the Suns are doing everything they can to potentially squeeze a first-round pick out of a team that gets too desperate. The Raptors will likely not be in the lottery in the next few years, so their firsts are indeed moveable.