Reports: Miami Heat will move for Jae Crowder only in a buyout situation

The Miami Heat are reportedly interested in acquiring Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder in a buyout situation.

Crowder, who is in the final year of his contract, has not played for the Suns this season as the two sides seek a trade. The only way a simple trade can happen is understood to be a scenario in which the Suns take a bad contract from the Heat.

The Heat, who are currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, are in need of depth at the forward position after losing P.J. Tucker in free agency and dealing with injuries.

Crowder is a solid defender with playoff experience, having played for the Heat in the 2019-20 season when they reached the NBA Finals. It is unclear if the Suns would be willing to agree to a buyout with Crowder.

According to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson, Miami will only move for Jae Crowder in a buyout situation:

“According to someone who has spoken to the Heat’s front office, the Heat remains interested in Jae Crowder, but only in a buyout situation, barring Phoenix shockingly taking a bad contract off Miami’s hands,” Jackson wrote.

Miami Heat looking to bring back Jae Crowder?

Crowder previously played an important role for the Miami Heat in the 2019-20 season, when they made it to the NBA Finals. Crowder averaged 11.9 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 20 regular-season games that season.

He also produced decent numbers for the Suns last season, averaging 9.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 1.9 apg, and the Heat believe he can be a decent addition again.

Of course, the Phoenix Suns are currently understood to be reluctant to agree to a buyout. The Miami Heat can alternatively hope that another team can trade with the Suns and sign the player. However, that also seems unlikely, and Crowder is understood to be an attractive option only for title contenders.

Overall, it seems unlikely that Jae Crowder will end up with Miami unless the Suns ease their stance and agree to a buyout.

Crowder is a solid defender with plenty of experience. The 32-year-old has played for seven teams since being drafted 34th by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2012. He was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on the day after the draft. He has also played for the Boston Celtics, Utah Jazz, Cavaliers (in 2017-18) and Memphis Grizzlies.