The Phoenix Suns are now building a winning roster and are continuing their efforts to improve their title odds before training camp begins on Sept. 26.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Monday that the Suns are expected to enter trade talks with forward Jae Crowder at the center.
Crowder, 32, averaged 9.7 points and five rebounds per game in two seasons with the Suns. However, he is entering the final season of his contract and the Suns are still looking for a trade partner.
“Crowder is a player on the market right now.” Windhorst said to NBA Today:.
arizona sports Reported by John Gambadoro In June, Crowder’s name popped up on the trading market. This isn’t the only time Phoenix’s roster could be upended before training camp.
It’s not a foregone conclusion that Crowder will be traded before training camp begins, but Windhorst said the Suns aren’t afraid to add a salary if it improves their roster.
Gambadoro reported that they were contacted on September 1st Utah Jazz forward interested in Bojan Bogdanovic.
“People I talk to don’t get the sense that the Sands are afraid to continue spending,” Windhorst said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if the Suns join the negotiations.” [Bogdanovic]”
With a salary of $19.3 million, Bogdanovic will make $9 million more than Crowder in 2022-23.
Bogdanovic also averaged 18.1 points and shot 39% from 3-point range last season.
Another avenue the Suns explored this summer is a contract extension with forward Cam Johnson. His fourth-year shooter from North Carolina ended the regular season on a slump from the back of the arc, but he still finished 6th in the NBA with 3 points and 3 points in percentage.100 attempts minimum).
“It’s not going to affect salaries this year. That’s going to be going forward,” Windhorst said. “But it also shows they’re looking at long-term investments… And avoid restricted free agency situations like last year’s with DeAndre Ayton.
“From a front office perspective…the Suns are functioning like champion contenders looking to improve their team for camp.”
