PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns’ moves yesterday have once again raised eyebrows regarding a specific reunion with a former player — none other than 2021 playoff hero Jae Crowder.
THE release With forwards Nassir Little and EJ Liddell, the squad currently stands at 14 – there’s clearly a spot open now.
The Suns could either make a trade or sign a top free agent along with another veteran minimum – and one name that has been constantly mentioned is Crowder.
It’s been a rumor for months — and Crowder added fuel to the fire when he liked a post suggesting a reunion on X/Twitter over the summer.
Crowder, 34, spent two seasons with Phoenix — largely in a starting role — before being traded at the 2023 trade deadline after a falling out with former coach Monty Williams.
This is exactly why Crowder should come back.
He remains friends with Devin Booker. He has some experience under Mike Budenholzer. His starting days are behind him, so he can fully embrace a backup role that can still be important. He adds an extra layer of floor spacing, toughness and physicality to the board. He doesn’t need a lot of the ball to be effective — as Suns fans have seen in the past.
There’s really no downside to being welcomed back to a Crowder reunion. He has at least a handful of seasons left in the league as an impact player. He was one of the main sources of positive energy during Phoenix’s historic run from 2020-22, regardless of how the tenure ended.
It’s time to put that in the rearview mirror and continue building the most optimal and efficient roster possible under Budenholzer in what is shaping up to be the most pivotal season in franchise history.
