The Suns continue to engage with the Bucks on talks surrounding forward Jae Crowder, with sources telling Hoops Wire they believe Crowder will be in Milwaukee before the Feb. 9 trade deadline.
Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Milwaukee is currently offering point guard George Hill, center/forward Serge Ibaka and small forward Jordan Nwora, as well as a second-round pick, in exchange for Crowder.
The Suns have given the Bucks permission to speak with Crowder ahead of the deadline, Charania reported.
Crowder has been available since the start of October and sitting out the season as the Suns seek a trade. Meanwhile, the Bucks reportedly have looking to add Crowder, or a player like him, for the past several weeks to help boost their title chances.
As an aside, Ibaka is also now sitting out after he and the Bucks decided to look for a deal.
It had been reported previously that the Bucks and Suns had been seeking a third team to help facilitate a Crowder trade, with the Rockets at one time involved in the talks.
Crowder, 32, was reportedly unhappy with what his role was expected to be this season, we as well as his contract status, leading to a trade request.
“I’ve spoken to every player that I’ve played with on that team and they all have stressed how much they miss [me] and respect my decision, and I’m thankful for their understanding,” Crowder recently told Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. “This move of pushing me out the door was a blindsided hit to not only me but my teammates, as you can see from speaking to them and myself and the conversations we’ve had behind closed doors.
“I will continue to prepare myself daily for battle once the call is made and continue to be a leader on the court, locker room, as well as off the court. I am thankful my teammates appreciated my leadership. I’m confused and hurt that my coaches didn’t appreciate the things I brought to our team and organization. And this has nothing to do with financial or contract differences.”
Crowder appeared in 67 games last season (all starts), averaging 9.4 points on 40 percent shooting, to go with 5.3 rebounds and some strong perimeter defense.
“The Bucks most current offer is Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka, George Hill, 2nd round draft compensations… for Crowder”@ShamsCharania on Suns giving Bucks permission to speak with Jae Crowder ?#RunItBack | https://t.co/Q9hUtUoPZJ pic.twitter.com/b0Acvh9j3M
— FanDuel TV (@FanDuelTV) January 30, 2023
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