Jae Crowder Insists Trade Request Not Due To Demotion Out Of Starting Lineup

[RealGM Wiretap]

Jae Crowder continues to remain away from the Phoenix Suns as the two sides seek a resolution via trade. Crowder pushed back on the idea that he requested a trade from the Suns because he was demoted out of the starting lineup in favor of Cam Johnson.

"Honestly, this is unfamiliar ground for me," Crowder told Chris Haynes. "This is my 11th year and I've always been in camp and started the year off with my team. The business of basketball has taken its course and changes have come. I do not want to get into the details just yet, but it's definitely not true of the narrative being pushed about me not starting or not. I can honestly say that.

"I had two great years with my teammates and the fans in Phoenix. I don't take that for granted. I'm forever grateful for the moments we shared."

Haynes said he's not sure if the core of the issue is the Suns' to sign him to an extension.

Via Chris Haynes/Yahoo! Sports

[King4Day]

Smart to say what he said about his experiences in Phoenix (I do believe he's sincere). If there's no deal by the deadline, you can bet your butt James Jones will have him report back to the team for playoff depth.

[lonzo_pelota]

Its never a good look when your sitting out for selfish reasons leaving the team short-handed in depth and the and scoring and defense dont diminish but slightly improve, Suns need to swap him for jordan clarkson

[nedleeds]

Lol ... "not sure if the core of the issue is the Suns' to sign him to an extension"

The media and the players must think fans are completely rheetarded.

[Revived]

He wants an extension. Suns want him to play out his actual contract and then they will decide whether he’s deserving of re-signing or not.

Crazy that players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have no problem playing out last year contracts without extensions but a guy like Jae freaking Crowder can’t do it.

[Antinomy]

He wants an extension. Suns want him to play out his actual contract and then they will decide whether he’s deserving of re-signing or not.

Crazy that players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have no problem playing out last year contracts without extensions but a guy like Jae freaking Crowder can’t do it.

Maybe because they’ve made $200-300 million already.

A role player like Crowder might be fighting for the vet minimum if he takes a slight dip in production.

[Revived]

He wants an extension. Suns want him to play out his actual contract and then they will decide whether he’s deserving of re-signing or not.

Crazy that players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have no problem playing out last year contracts without extensions but a guy like Jae freaking Crowder can’t do it.

Maybe because they’ve made $200-300 million already.

A role player like Crowder might be fighting for the vet minimum if he takes a slight dip in production.

Ok so then he shouldn’t dip in production then. A contract is meant to be played out in its entirety, not till the year before it expires.

[tester551]

He wants an extension. Suns want him to play out his actual contract and then they will decide whether he’s deserving of re-signing or not.

Crazy that players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have no problem playing out last year contracts without extensions but a guy like Jae freaking Crowder can’t do it.

Maybe because they’ve made $200-300 million already.

A role player like Crowder might be fighting for the vet minimum if he takes a slight dip in production.

I agree. Which is exactly why the Suns should be approaching this exactly how they are.

[Pickled Prunes]

He wants an extension. Suns want him to play out his actual contract and then they will decide whether he’s deserving of re-signing or not.

Crazy that players like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green have no problem playing out last year contracts without extensions but a guy like Jae freaking Crowder can’t do it.

Maybe because they’ve made $200-300 million already.

A role player like Crowder might be fighting for the vet minimum if he takes a slight dip in production.

I agree. Which is exactly why the Suns should be approaching this exactly how they are.

1)Crowder already took a dip in production.
2) Both Draymond and Klay are under contract next season, Crowder is not. It's a different situation. I also wouldn't characterize Draymond as having "no problem" with his situation.

[dougthonus]

A role player like Crowder might be fighting for the vet minimum if he takes a slight dip in production.

Hard to imagine a scenario where he's worth more by refusing to play.