The Phoenix Suns trade rumors revolving around Jae Crowder just don’t seem to stop.
According to The Action Network’s Matt Moore, "The Bulls and Suns have had conversations about a deal involving Coby White for Crowder in recent weeks, but no real traction is thought to be present."
This would be an interesting move for the Suns. While White hasn’t exactly lived up to the seventh overall pick potential that the Bulls drafted him with in 2019, he is still only 22-years-old and has a lot of room to grow.
White is currently averaging 8.2 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists. Those are the worst numbers of his career across the board but White has shown the ability he can score the basketball as he averaged 15.1 points in his second season when actually starting. White started 17 games last season and hasn't started thus far in 2022-23 in what's been a loaded Bulls backcourt.
White’s numbers this season don’t truly represent the type of player he really is. Chicago is loaded with talented offensive threats such as Goran Dragic, Zach Lavine, Demar Derozan, Nikola Vucevic and even Alex Caruso which limits opportunities for White to get involved.
If traded to the Suns, White could heavily benefit from learning under Chris Paul and potentially could be Phoenix’s point guard of the future once the 37-year-old Paul eventually retires or departs from the team. The Suns have reportedly made an effort to seek a youthful replacement at point guard in trade talks this season.
Even though White is somewhat of a project, to trade Crowder for him would be a win for the Suns. Crowder has sat out for the entirety of this season and his trade value just keeps getting lower the more he sits out.
Phoenix should jump on an opportunity to land a 22-year-old with raw talent in exchange for a role player that is already 32-years-old. It may not be this best trade for the Suns in the short-term but could benefit them in a huge way down the road.
The Suns reportedly gave the Milwaukee Bucks permission to speak with Crowder, as a deal seems likely there at this point.
There's still time for Phoenix to resurrect trade talks with Chicago with the trade deadline just ten days away (Feb. 9).
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