Thoughts in General, Rumors, etc... 7.0

[K_chile22]

Crowder would start on Lakers I think but they only have Lonnie to offer and a 2023 FRPswap.

Crowder could start on a number of teams as an SF or PF I think.
Heat, Bucks, Bulls, Cavs, Grizz, Lakers, Hornets, Knicks

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

Yeah I'd be pretty surprised if he netted a first, but then again Royce O'Neal just got one and I think Crowder is easily the better of the two, and actually being wing sized helps too

[Diop]

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

Yeah I'd be pretty surprised if he netted a first, but then again Royce O'Neal just got one and I think Crowder is easily the better of the two, and actually being wing sized helps too

Yeah Brooklyn jumped the gun with Royce even though he will be handy for them.

[Knicks365247]

I think Crowder fits best with the Cavs. A veteran + their youth is also a nice touch.

[Scoot McGroot]

Crowder would start on Lakers I think but they only have Lonnie to offer and a 2023 FRPswap.

Crowder could start on a number of teams as an SF or PF I think.
Heat, Bucks, Bulls, Cavs, Grizz, Lakers, Hornets, Knicks

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

I don’t think Crowder returns a first at all if it’s pure cap space coming back as the salary filler. If they take back an equal or worse contract, then sure.

Like, send Theis to Phoenix, and yeah, that first makes some sense? Without Theis, and just cap space, probably just a mid to late 2nd?

I have Phoenix more interested in an immediate player in return to help them in this years playoff push than any pick, though.

[Texas Chuck]

My favorite way to resolve the Crowder situation involves Jae to Cleveland, Osman, Windler, Shamet to Houston along with incentive, Gordon to the Suns. Obviously the Rockets already have too many players though and so adding more gtd contracts to them is an issue. But Crowder is exactly what Cleveland needs, Gordon, exactly what the Suns need, and the Rockets can collect more assets and boost the tank.

Maybe too big of a hurdle though with the extra bodies.

[K_chile22]

My favorite way to resolve the Crowder situation involves Jae to Cleveland, Osman, Windler, Shamet to Houston along with incentive, Gordon to the Suns. Obviously the Rockets already have too many players though and so adding more gtd contracts to them is an issue. But Crowder is exactly what Cleveland needs, Gordon, exactly what the Suns need, and the Rockets can collect more assets and boost the tank.

Maybe too big of a hurdle though with the extra bodies.

I think they'd be fine, they're waiving Jerome soon and likely Harkless (maybe one of these teams would take him here?), can waive Osman and Windler after this to get to 15. They're far enough from the tax that I don't think they care about the extra $1M or so of salary to waive those guys vs carrying EG if they are happy with the compensation for EG+eating Shammet

[NYG]

Which teams have roster spots to give in a trade and which teams are most in need of dumping roster spots?

[Resistance]

Which teams have roster spots to give in a trade and which teams are most in need of dumping roster spots?

Players or roster slots/spots?

A basic headcount in relation to the regular season limit of 15 or subtract out the partial guarantee contracts that could be removed/waived if there is sufficient reason/motivation to do so?

Remove the Training Camp Exhibit 10, Exhibit 9 contracts as well?

[GreatSunnyNorth]

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

I don’t think Crowder returns a first at all if it’s pure cap space coming back as the salary filler. If they take back an equal or worse contract, then sure.

Like, send Theis to Phoenix, and yeah, that first makes some sense? Without Theis, and just cap space, probably just a mid to late 2nd?

I have Phoenix more interested in an immediate player in return to help them in this years playoff push than any pick, though.

No doubt that would be the first choice, ideally using Crowder as part of the salary matching and trade value toward an upgrade. But if the right deal isn’t there by the start of the season, a pick and a TPE would be better than someone who doesn’t project to add much more than the players on the bubble in camp (Wainright, TLC, Jackson, Okogie, Landale). Theis and Osman are probably just over the line to be worth taking back if there’s other value coming the Suns’ way.

[Monky15]

Crowder, Saric to Houston for Gordon.
Houston do it if they feel its easier to get value for Crowder vs EG
Suns get some quality back court depth.

Add on or follow up Crowder, Harkless to Miami for D Robinson, '23 top 4 protected 1st, '24 top 4 protected pick swap.
Houston: Frontcourt shooters fit with anyone especially on rebuilding teams.
Miami: Clears salary while getting frontcourt depth they are missing.

[Karmaloop]

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

The Lakers are the ones balking at giving up two picks for the Pacers' package. Jae Crowder doesn't change that equation.

[Resistance]

Crowder, Saric to Houston for Gordon.
Houston do it if they feel its easier to get value for Crowder vs EG
Suns get some quality back court depth.

Add on or follow up Crowder, Harkless to Miami for D Robinson, '23 top 4 protected 1st, '24 top 4 protected pick swap.
Houston: Frontcourt shooters fit with anyone especially on rebuilding teams.
Miami: Clears salary while getting frontcourt depth they are missing.

Since it apepars that Miami is trying to keep their First Round picks for a bigger better deal, sub Cleveland into the trade.

Cleveland
In: Crowder
Out: Windler, Osman, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland

Phoenix
In: Gordon, K Martin, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland
Out: Crowder, Shamet, 2023 Phoenix First Round pick

Houston
In: Shamet, Windler, Osman, Phoenix 2023 First Round pick
Out: Gordon, K Martin

[Godaddycurse]

Crowder, Saric to Houston for Gordon.
Houston do it if they feel its easier to get value for Crowder vs EG
Suns get some quality back court depth.

Add on or follow up Crowder, Harkless to Miami for D Robinson, '23 top 4 protected 1st, '24 top 4 protected pick swap.
Houston: Frontcourt shooters fit with anyone especially on rebuilding teams.
Miami: Clears salary while getting frontcourt depth they are missing.

Since it apepars that Miami is trying to keep their First Round picks for a bigger better deal, sub Cleveland into the trade.

Cleveland
In: Crowder
Out: Windler, Osman, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland

Phoenix
In: Gordon, K Martin, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland
Out: Crowder, Shamet, 2023 Phoenix First Round pick

Houston
In: Shamet, Windler, Osman, Phoenix 2023 First Round pick
Out: Gordon, K Martin

I like this alot. The cleveland 2nd should also go to houston imo

[toooskies]

Switching out two "shooters" (Windler being only theoretically a shooter) for Crowder leaves the Cavs' bench pretty thin in that department. They're a Kevin Love injury away from being pretty bleak in that department.

[jbk1234]

Switching out two "shooters" (Windler being only theoretically a shooter) for Crowder leaves the Cavs' bench pretty thin in that department. They're a Kevin Love injury away from being pretty bleak in that department.

I'm not sure Cedi is a better/more consistent shooter than Crowder, but Cedi won't insist on starting in a contract year and cause problems if he doesn't. There are matchups against slower, bigger SFs where Crowder works and matchups against taller or faster SFs where he really should come off the court.

Also, if a guy like Wade ends up fitting better with the other starters, then you have Crowder and LeVert competing for backup minutes both of whom will be in contract years.

I'd have to be pretty desperate to trade for Crowder and I'm just not to start the season.

[babyjax13]

Does Indy want LA’s unprotected firsts enough to give up what would likely be a later one in 2023? If so then Crowder could fit into the basic Lakers-Pacers structure:

To LAL: Hield, Turner, Crowder
To IND: Westbrook, 1st (LAL-27), 1st (LAL-29)
To PHX: 1st (lowest conveying 1st out of IND-23, BOS-23, CLE-23)

PHX could take on a Walker or a Nesmith if it helps, but would probably be fine filling out the roster with the players already in camp and using the 1st for trade purposes later.

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

Yeah I'd be pretty surprised if he netted a first, but then again Royce O'Neal just got one and I think Crowder is easily the better of the two, and actually being wing sized helps too

Royce is a better and younger player who isn't expiring.

[MoneyTalks41890]

I might be in the minority, but I don't have Crowder able to return a First Round pick.

Yeah I'd be pretty surprised if he netted a first, but then again Royce O'Neal just got one and I think Crowder is easily the better of the two, and actually being wing sized helps too

Royce is a better and younger player who isn't expiring.

The answer to this appears to be no, but being 6'4" doesn't limit his ability to be effective against forwards?

[babyjax13]

Yeah I'd be pretty surprised if he netted a first, but then again Royce O'Neal just got one and I think Crowder is easily the better of the two, and actually being wing sized helps too

Royce is a better and younger player who isn't expiring.

The answer to this appears to be no, but being 6'4" doesn't limit his ability to be effective against forwards?

No, it doesn't. He defends 2-4 very well, and can switch onto 1s. 5s he will put up an admirable fight against, but if Nurkic gets his back against him there's nothing to do. He's a perfect fit with the Nets, IMO.

[K_chile22]

Crowder, Saric to Houston for Gordon.
Houston do it if they feel its easier to get value for Crowder vs EG
Suns get some quality back court depth.

Add on or follow up Crowder, Harkless to Miami for D Robinson, '23 top 4 protected 1st, '24 top 4 protected pick swap.
Houston: Frontcourt shooters fit with anyone especially on rebuilding teams.
Miami: Clears salary while getting frontcourt depth they are missing.

Since it apepars that Miami is trying to keep their First Round picks for a bigger better deal, sub Cleveland into the trade.

Cleveland
In: Crowder
Out: Windler, Osman, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland

Phoenix
In: Gordon, K Martin, TBD Second Round pick via Cleveland
Out: Crowder, Shamet, 2023 Phoenix First Round pick

Houston
In: Shamet, Windler, Osman, Phoenix 2023 First Round pick
Out: Gordon, K Martin

Could also just do it without Cleveland and do the whole let Crowder stay home thing until a deal comes along
Or sub Dallas in here with Powell and some seconds, I know people think PHX is terrified of sending Crowder there but Houston can just do it afterwards

[Resistance]

Switching out two "shooters" (Windler being only theoretically a shooter) for Crowder leaves the Cavs' bench pretty thin in that department. They're a Kevin Love injury away from being pretty bleak in that department.

The reason that I mentioned Cleveland was because of a recent remark in the media.

Report: Cavaliers Interested in Jae Crowder


"When you think about what teams are interested in Jae Crowder, I would look at the teams he's played for. Look for teams like Boston, Memphis, Dallas, Miami, especially a team that could be interested in a guy like Jae Crowder. He's a 3/4 that can play defense, can make shots, brings a great level of energy and culture to your organization as well."

You can go ahead and add a fifth team: The Cleveland Cavaliers, who were named dropped by The Athletic's Joe Vardon.

"If, however, you prefer to make the case that the Cavs are one player away from serious championship contention, the evidence is at the small forward spot. It’s why Cleveland is said to have interest in trading for Jae Crowder from the Suns, who is available and is a proven 3-and-D big body who could bang against the Kevin Durants and Jimmy Butlers and Jayson Tatums of the East," said Vardon.

"Whether the Cavs make an offer, or if the Suns accept what Cleveland would send back, is another matter."

A trade is expected soon, as Crowder and the Suns mutually agreed for the power forward to not show up to training camp while the sides work on a deal to move him out of Phoenix.

The Cavaliers have been fairly aggressive in the offseason, snatching guard Donovan Mitchell and adding him to a roster many now feel as if are ready to make a serious push in the postseason.

Could Crowder be that final piece? Time will tell if Cleveland feels that way.



I don't know how much of the above is speculation and how much is based on a tip/leak from somebody with actual knowledge of things.