Phoenix Suns

The Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly among the teams expected to pursue a trade for Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder.

"The Bucks will look though I bet," ESPN's Zach Lowe said on The Lowe Post podcast. "The Bucks were sneakily kind of sniffing around Jerami Grant in Detroit before Portland swooped in. I think they like the idea of the switchable, switchable, switchable guys."

Crowder and the Suns mutually agreed the veteran forward would not participate in training camp while the team seeks trade options. The 32-year-old has been with the Suns the last two seasons and is heading into the final year of his contract.

John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM Phoenix reported Crowder's trade request stemmed from a desire for a contract extension, which the Suns did not plan to offer. Phoenix also reportedly told Crowder he would not be part of the starting five or closing unit.

Crowder had started 109 of his 127 games in Phoenix. Cameron Johnson seems like a strong bet to step into the starting lineup in Crowder's place as the Suns look to increase their spacing. Dario Saric will also get extended time at the 4 after missing the entire 2021-22 season.

The Bucks don't offer much hope for Crowder as a starter, given the best player in basketball (Giannis Antetokounmpo) plays his position. It's possible that Milwaukee would open the season playing big with Crowder at the 3, but that will only be a temporary solution until Khris Middleton returns from his wrist injury.

As it stands, Crowder seems to be heading toward a different stage in his career and doesn't appear accepting of his new standing. If Crowder wants to play for a contender, the options for him getting a starter-size workload are few and far between.

The Boston Celtics, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat are potential suitors for Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, with Crowder and the team reportedly agreeing to sever ties.

https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1574504297722699800

Crowder asked to forgo training camp, which the Suns agreed to, per ESPN's Brian Windhorst. Windhorst added that "Crowder was informed over the summer that he may lose his starting job this season, sources said, and it prompted him to request a trade."

Windhorst added that the Suns "had discussions about it throughout the summer but hadn't found a deal yet."

A Crowder trade is almost a foregone conclusion at this point.

ONE MUST SEEK WORK WHERE HE IS WANTED.. WHERE HE IS NEEDED.! I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT THESE PAST 2 YRS HAVE TAUGHT ME.! NOW I MUST TAKE ON ANOTHER CHALLENGE WITH CONTINUED HARDWORK & DEDICATION.! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CLOSED THE DOOR ON ME…. THANK YOU! 99 BACK SOON.! 🥷🏾🤫🤐

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) September 25, 2022

Okay I know everybody’s mad at Jae Crowder but the man posted his own trade hype video on Instagram and this is everything people love and hate about Bossman all at once pic.twitter.com/q24QrrKt30

— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) September 25, 2022

"Jae brought a number of intangibles to the team, I think all of our guys would speak in that way about him," head coach Monty Williams told reporters Monday at the team's media day. "At the same time these things happen and you have to transition and move forward. I totally am behind [general manager James Jones] and how we are handling this."

James Jones said he doesn't know what Jae Crowder's situation will mean for the Suns going forward. Is going to keep the conversations with him private.

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 26, 2022

It's been a rocky summer for the Suns. From a personnel standpoint, the team didn't agree to a long-term contract extension with young center Deandre Ayton and ultimately matched the four-year, $133 million offer sheet he signed with the Indiana Pacers.

Ayton seemed less than enthused with that outcome when asked about it on Monday:

Ayton seems thrilled about his new contract with the Suns 😅 https://t.co/wR4oceX3Xo

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) September 26, 2022

The Suns were also one of the reported teams that Kevin Durant requested to be traded to this summer, only to eventually rescind that request and agree to a return with the Brooklyn Nets.

And now, the looming Crowder divorce.

But the Suns are also dealing with the aftermath of the NBA's investigation into managing partner Robert Sarver, who was accused of multiple instances of using racist, misogynistic and sexist language.

Sarver was ultimately suspended for the entire 2022-23 season and fined $10 million by the league as a result of that investigation, but amidst a public outcry for a stiffer punishment from the NBA or an outright resignation from Sarver—including from LeBron James and Suns minority governor Jahm Najafi—Sarver ultimately agreed to sell the team.

There is a far different vibe around these Suns than there was heading into the 2021-22 playoffs just four months ago. That Suns team had reached the NBA Finals the year prior and was the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference after a 64-18 regular season, carrying with them legitimate title hopes.

Instead, they were shockingly ousted by the Dallas Mavericks in seven games of the Western Conference Semifinals and now head into the 2022-23 season trying to navigate immense turbulence.

Jae Crowder wants out, Chris Paul says he learned nothing from the Dallas series, Deandre Ayton looks like a depressed hostage. Suns vibes are in the toilet. The fellas as we know them might be done

— sreekar (@sreekyshooter) September 26, 2022

The murky future of Crowder—who was a solid two-way player for the team over the last two seasons, averaging 9.7 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 36.9 percent during his time in the desert—is just the latest jostle.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry said he spoke privately to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in the aftermath of the league's decision to suspend Phoenix Suns governor Robert Sarver for one year.

Curry told reporters at Sunday's media availability he understood Silver's point of view regarding the initial suspension, but he is happy Sarver ultimately chose to sell the team.

"I think the outcome was exactly what should have happened," Curry said. "Honestly, I thought with the punishment that was handed down, it would have dragged out a little longer, but I'm glad we got to a point where hopefully the team is up for sale sooner than later and can kind of move on knowing that's where it should be."

Sarver announced his intention to sell the Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury last week amid widespread public and private pressure. An independent investigation found Sarver used racial slurs, bullied employees, engaged in inequitable treatment of female employees and ran a hostile work environment over his ownership tenure.

The NBA suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million, punishments that received overwhelmingly negative reactions. LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green were among the players who found the league reaction to be lacking.

behavior. I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 14, 2022

Green called on NBA governors to take a public vote on removing Sarver. Curry's Warriors teammate said he wanted the governors on record with their stance, though the podcast he made the comments on was recorded before Sarver announced he was selling the team.

"I was very happy to see that he was selling the team because I think that's right," Green said. "When you look at some of the things that people has gotten in trouble over, I think that falls under the same boat. And we're all a part of this league, and no one person is bigger than the league. If that goes for us as players, that goes across the board. We're still all a part of the league, no matter what level you're at."

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Silver and several owners privately pressured Sarver into selling the franchise.

Sarver publicly apologized for his actions but bemoaned an "unforgiving" social climate forcing him to sell.

Veteran forward Jae Crowder's time with the Phoenix Suns is set to come to an end.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Crowder and the Suns mutually agreed to seek a trade, and he will not participate in training camp for the time being.

This comes after ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported on Monday that the Suns were "very active" in searching for Crowder trade suitors.

Crowder took to social media on Sunday to let fans know it was time for him to take on "another challenge":

ONE MUST SEEK WORK WHERE HE IS WANTED.. WHERE HE IS NEEDED.! I AM THANKFUL FOR WHAT THESE PAST 2 YRS HAVE TAUGHT ME.! NOW I MUST TAKE ON ANOTHER CHALLENGE WITH CONTINUED HARDWORK & DEDICATION.! FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO CLOSED THE DOOR ON ME…. THANK YOU! 99 BACK SOON.! 🥷🏾🤫🤐

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) September 25, 2022

The three-and-D specialist has played for seven teams over his 10-year career.

Crowder is set to make $10.2 million this season in the final year of a three-year, $29.2 million deal. He averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.4 steals in 67 games for a Suns team that finished with the best record in the league at 64-18 last season. He can still be an effective contributor for a title contender, and it appears that he already has a destination in mind.

Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press reported that Crowder would welcome a return to the Miami Heat, though he doesn't have control over where he will end up. He played 20 games for the Heat in 2019-20 after being acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a three-team trade. Also, Miami star Jimmy Butler was Crowder's college teammate at Marquette, so it's no surprise that he's interested in a reunion.

While losing Crowder will subtract from Phoenix's core, it could give the team an opportunity to elevate a young player like Cameron Johnson. The 26-year-old averaged 12.5 points and shot 42.5 percent from three-point range while mostly filling a bench role last season, but he showed signs of a breakout as his usage increased. Crowder's absence could open the door for Johnson to take the next step in his fourth NBA season.

Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder made a Twitter post Friday suggesting he's going to skip the start of training camp. It was later deleted.

Jae Crowder tweeted and deleted this. Doesn’t sound like he’s going to be at training camp pic.twitter.com/ztTAeh6qTo

— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) September 24, 2022

Crowder is entering the final season of a three-year, $29.2 million contract he signed with the Suns in 2020.

The versatile 6'6", 235-pound forward is coming off a 2021-22 campaign in which he averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 threes across 67 appearances.

In August, he posted a cryptic tweet hinting he would prefer a change of scenery:

CHANGE IS INEVITABLE.. GROWTH IS OPTIONAL.!! I BELIEVE ITS TIME FOR A CHANGE… I WANNA CONTINUE GROWING.!

— JAE CROWDER (@CJC9BOSS) August 1, 2022

ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported Monday (h/t Evan Sidery of Basketball News) the Suns have been "very active" in talks with other organizations as most teams get ready to open training camp next week.

"They're in trade negotiations right now," Windhorst said. "A lot of them are centered around Jae Crowder. Jae Crowder is a player who is available on the market right now."

The 32-year-old Marquette product's deleted post on social media figures to add further fuel to that speculation about his future.

Cameron Johnson is likely to join Phoenix's starting lineup if Crowder is dealt. Dario Saric, who missed last season with a torn ACL, would also be in line to rejoin the rotation in a significant way.

The Suns tip off the regular season Oct. 19 when they welcome the Dallas Mavericks to the Footprint Center.

The Phoenix Suns reportedly took a step into the post-Robert Sarver world within the organization by holding an all-employees call Wednesday to address concerns about the organization's culture in the wake of the independent investigation into the team governor.

ESPN's Baxter Holmes reported Suns president and CEO Jason Rowley answered the questions that covered a variety of topics, including whether other leaders would be held responsible for the workplace culture.

The meeting came shortly after Sarver released a statement saying he would sell the NBA's Suns and WNBA's Phoenix Mercury.

It was a Holmes report in Nov. 2021 about allegations of racist and sexist behavior from Sarver that set off the chain of events that led to Wednesday. The NBA commissioned an independent investigation and suspended Sarver for one year and fined him $10 million when it announced the findings on Sept. 13.

The investigation found Sarver "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards" that "included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying."

Notably, it discovered that Sarver used the N-word "on at least five occasions" and "engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them."

One of the questions Rowley discussed was why the organization did not initially address the specific allegations, and he shared a statement with staff members before it was released to the public.

On Wednesday, Suns Legacy Partners, which manages the Suns and Mercury, released the statement that said they agreed with Sarver's decision to sell and recognized the organization's need to make strides elsewhere:

pic.twitter.com/9Rwf1v9wHn

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 21, 2022

pic.twitter.com/CqIpB3PuOw

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 21, 2022

As for whether there would be punishment for other members of the organization who contributed to the culture of workplace misconduct, Rowley said "corrective action" will be applied where necessary after parts of the investigation are further explored.

He also pointed to the organization's recent hire of a "diversity, equity and inclusion leader" when addressing what will be done to provide clearer paths to leadership roles for women, people of color and women of color.

"I'm relieved, I'm beyond happy, I'm empowered and I'm motivated to continue to ensure that all of the men in that organization still in power who upheld this culture are rooted out," one staff member said.

As for Sarver, ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported NBA Commissioner Adam Silver was among those behind the scenes pressuring him to sell the Suns and Mercury.

Former Disney CEO Bob Iger, Amazon founder and ex-CEO Jeff Bezos, Oracle co-founder and past CEO Larry Ellison and Washington Wizards minority governor Laurene Powell Jobs (the widow of Apple co-founder and ex-CEO Steve Jobs) are expected to be interested in buying the Phoenix Suns and Mercury.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported that news Wednesday, the same day that Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver announced that he was beginning the process to sell both franchises.

Sarver's announcement comes after the NBA suspended him for one year and fined him $10 million following an investigation that concluded that he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards." That behavior included the use of racial slurs as well as severe mistreatment of female employees.

The investigation followed a Nov. 2021 report from ESPN's Baxter Holmes that included allegations of racism and misogyny on Sarver's part since he bought the Suns and Mercury in 2004.

Forbes estimated that the Suns were worth $1.8 billion in Oct. 2021, ranking No. 18 among the 30 NBA franchises. The New York Knicks were No. 1 at $5.8 billion.

As Shelburne noted, Sarver has the option to sell his teams to whomever he wants.

The rumored names aren't short on money to buy the Suns and Mercury. Per Forbes, Bezos ($142 billion) and Larry Ellison ($94.4 billion) are fourth and sixth on the latest net-worth rankings. Bloomberg estimated Jobs' net worth at $13.6 billion.

Iger reportedly isn't in the billionaire club, but his net worth stood at $690 million in 2019, per Forbes.

The upcoming sale will mark the third time an NBA team has been sold this decade. The Utah Jazz sold for $1.66 billion in 2020, and the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx sold for $1.5 billion in 2021.

Suns Legacy Partners, which manages the NBA's Phoenix Suns and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury, released a statement Wednesday supporting Robert Sarver's decision to sell the two franchises.

"We agree that Robert Sarver's decision to sell the Suns and Mercury is in the best interest of the organization and community," the statement said while also acknowledging there is much work to be done.

pic.twitter.com/9Rwf1v9wHn

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) September 21, 2022

pic.twitter.com/CqIpB3PuOw

— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 21, 2022

Sarver released a statement Wednesday that blamed "our current unforgiving climate" for his decision to ultimately sell the Suns and Mercury:

"As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner's one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.

"But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible—that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement saying, "I fully support the decision by Robert Sarver to sell the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. This is the right next step for the organization and community."

Portland Trail Blazers guard and president of the NBPA CJ McCollum also released a statement that said, "We thank Mr. Sarver for making a swift decision that was in the best interest of our sports community."

The NBA commissioned an independent investigation after ESPN's Baxter Holmes published a report in Nov. 2021 on allegations of racist and sexist behavior by Sarver.

The league announced the findings on Sept. 13 and decided to suspend Sarver for one year and fine him $10 million—a lighter punishment than the 2014 decision to ban former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling, who was recorded making racist comments about Black people, from the league for life.

The investigation into Sarver found he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards" that "included the use of racially insensitive language; unequal treatment of female employees; sex-related statements and conduct; and harsh treatment of employees that on occasion constituted bullying."

Among the findings were revelations that he used the N-word "on at least five occasions" and "engaged in demeaning and harsh treatment of employees, including by yelling and cursing at them."

Many believed the NBA's punishment didn't go far enough.

Jahm Najafi, who is the second-largest Suns stakeholder, called for Sarver's resignation. NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio said he "should never hold a managerial position within our league again," while players such as LeBron James and Chris Paul weighed in as well:

Jahm Najafi, the second largest Suns stakeholder, has publicly called for the resignation of Robert Sarver in an open letter to Suns fans. pic.twitter.com/z7dMzUyHSP

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) September 16, 2022

Statement from Tamika Tremaglio, Executive Director of @TheNBPA, about the "horrible" conduct from Suns owner Robert Sarver to @andscape @espn who she believes "should never hold a managerial position within our league again." pic.twitter.com/q4uEU7Ke6h

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) September 14, 2022

behavior. I love this league and I deeply respect our leadership. But this isn’t right. There is no place for misogyny, sexism, and racism in any work place. Don’t matter if you own the team or play for the team. We hold our league up as an example of our values and this aint it.

— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 14, 2022

I am of the view that the sanctions fell short in truly addressing what we can all agree was atrocious behavior. My heart goes out to all of the people that were affected.

— Chris Paul (@CP3) September 15, 2022

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported there was no shortage of pressure applied on Sarver to sell the teams.

"There was a lot of private pressure on Robert Sarver behind the scenes," Shelburne reported. "We heard PayPal, but there were a lot of other league sponsors and team sponsors that were lining up to pull away from the Suns and not be publicly associated with them.

"There was also the pressure applied by other owners and Adam Silver behind the scenes. Adam Silver is obviously very good at applying pressure when needed to be and facilitating these types of conversations and discussions to get to this place."

Publicly, NBA commissioner Adam Silver defended his decision to suspend Phoenix Suns governor Robert Sarver for one year.

Privately, Silver reportedly put "pressure" on Sarver to exit the league entirely.

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne reported Silver and other team governors worked behind the scenes to convince Sarver it was in the best interest to sell the Suns and Phoenix Mercury.

"There was a lot of private pressure on Robert Sarver behind the scenes," Shelburne said Wednesday on NBA Today. "We heard PayPal, but there were a lot of other league sponsors and team sponsors that were lining up to pull away from the Suns and not be publicly associated with them.

"There was also the pressure applied by other owners and Adam Silver behind the scenes. Adam Silver is obviously very good at applying pressure when needed to be and facilitating these types of conversations and discussions to get to this place."

Sarver announced his intention to sell the Suns and Mercury earlier Wednesday, casting blame on an "unforgiving climate" amid public pressure to sell.

"As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness," Sarver said in a statement. "I expected that the commissioner's one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.

"But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible—that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past."

The NBA suspended Sarver and fined him $10 million earlier this month after an investigation found he used racial slurs, bullied employees, engaged in inequitable treatment of female employees and ran a hostile work environment over the course of his 17-year tenure with the Suns.

“I fully support the decision by Robert Sarver to sell the Phoenix Suns and Mercury. This is the right next step for the organization and community," Silver said in a statement.

Sarver was a largely unpopular figure among the Suns fanbase, particularly for his penchant for penny-pinching rather than investing in the team. His finance-over-basketball decisions are regarded among some fans as the reason the Seven Seconds or Less Suns never won a championship.

NBA executives recently called Sarver out for the team's decision to not offer Deandre Ayton a maximum contract extension. The team instead allowed Ayton to hit restricted free agency and then matched a four-year maximum offer sheet from the Indiana Pacers. By taking this route, the Suns saved about $43 million versus the full five-year max.

Past criticisms of his spending paled in comparison to the reaction to the NBA's independent report. Silver's decision to suspend Sarver for one year was roundly criticized as being insufficient, with stars LeBron James, Chris Paul and Draymond Green publicly calling out the league.

NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio called on the league to permanently ban Sarver. While there was a precedent set by the league in banning former Los Angeles Clippers governor Donald Sterling for life, Silver called the situations "dramatically different."

Fans, players and sponsors disagreed with Silver's categorization, and it seems the commissioner may have worked behind the scenes to quell the public criticism.

Phoenix Suns governor Robert Sarver said he will begin the process of selling the team in a statement released Wednesday:

As a man of faith, I believe in atonement and the path to forgiveness. I expected that the commissioner's one-year suspension would provide the time for me to focus, make amends and remove my personal controversy from the teams that I and so many fans love.

But in our current unforgiving climate, it has become painfully clear that that is no longer possible – that whatever good I have done, or could still do, is outweighed by things I have said in the past. For those reasons, I am beginning the process of seeking buyers for the Suns and Mercury.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Wednesday that he "fully" supports Sarver's decision:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ykBrsEoxc0

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) September 21, 2022

Portland Trail Blazers star CJ McCollum—who is president of the NBPA—also issued a statement:

Statement from NBPA President @CJMcCollum

🔗: https://t.co/7uy7K1cjgd pic.twitter.com/rFUcOGZsWM

— NBPA (@TheNBPA) September 21, 2022

The NBA announced Sarver would be suspended for one year and fined $10 million after an investigation found he "engaged in conduct that clearly violated common workplace standards," including using a racial slur multiple times, bullying and inequitable treatment of female employees.

In November 2021, ESPN's Baxter Holmes reported on allegations of racism and misogyny throughout Sarver's 17 years with the Suns.

Silver said the punishments from the league were justified, but many have wanted harsher punishments against Sarver.

Suns minority owner Jahm Najafi called for Sarver's resignation, and NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio wants the NBA to ban Sarver for life.

PayPal also announced it will not renew its sponsorship agreement with the Suns if there isn't a change in leadership.

The pressure has seemingly been enough for Sarver, 60, to sell both the Suns and Mercury.

The Suns are considered the 18th-most-valuable team in the NBA at $1.8 billion, per Forbes.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski commented on the franchise's value:

The Suns are considered an extremely desirable franchise in the marketplace and will have no shortage of high-level ownership candidates. As a warm weather destination in West, league executives always believed this could be a monster free agent destination with right ownership.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) September 21, 2022

Phoenix should also be considered a top contender for an NBA title in 2022-23 after finishing with an NBA-best 64-18 record last season.