Heat Only Interested in Suns’ Jae Crowder via Buyout

The Heat have an interest in bringing back available small forward Jae Crowder, but it doesn’t appear that they would want to do so via trade.

Instead, they would prefer to wait to see if Crowder and the Suns agree to a contract buyout, making Crowder a free agent, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The only other option would be for the Suns to “shockingly taking a bad contract off Miami’s hands,” Jackson wrote.

Crowder has been widely available since deciding to sit out the season. Whether he’s doing it for a new contract or because he lost his starting role remains up for debate. All we know is Crowder and the Suns are seeking a trade, and he’s not playing.

Along with the Heat, the Bucks and Wizards are among those said to be interested. The Bucks have even reportedly already talked to the Suns about a potential Crowder trade. But clearly, that went nowhere.

Some are under the impression that eventually Crowder and the Suns will work out their differences and he will indeed return to the lineup. Others are under the impression it will indeed become a buyout situation.

One rival executive recently told Steve Bulpett of Heavy Sports this is a lot of hubbub over a player such as Crowder.

“He said he’s not playing unless he gets a contract extension that he wants. I think a lot of teams are turned off by that in and of itself,” the GM told Bulpett. “Like, ‘What? You don’t want to play for one of the best teams in the NBA and PROVE that you’re worth it so you can get a contract next year? Like, you’re not that good, bro. What are you doing?’

“It’s a weird dynamic. It’s one thing if Kevin Durant’s holding out because he’s not getting paid enough, but Jae Crowder? Seriously?”

Crowder, 32, 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. But at this point, the Suns may be overvaluing him, as they continue to rebuff offers.