Memphis Grizzlies reportedly pass on trade for coveted veteran NBA player

Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman has reportedly stayed out of trade discussions for a disgruntled veteran NBA player many had linked to the team just a short few weeks ago. That player is the much-talked about Jae Crowder, a player many fans were split on bringing back to the team for the 2022-23 season.

Crowder, 32, started 45 games for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2019-20 season before being sent to Miami in a packaged that netted the rebuilding squad Justice Winslow.

According to a new report from Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Memphis Grizzlies and Phoenix Suns are unlikely to come to an agreement on a Jae Crowder trade.

Don’t expect Memphis Grizzlies to land Jae Crowder in a trade

There are three main components as to why the Grizzlies aren’t going to acquire Jae Crowder in a trade. The first being the most important— the Grizzlies aren’t really interested in a deal.

According to Fisher’s report, the Grizzlies “never approached Phoenix with an offer” for Crowder. The report cites a trade of Danny Green for Crowder could work, but the Suns “do not want to acquire the injured veteran while he recovers from a torn ACL.”

Secondly, even if Green was healthy and desirable by the Suns, it seems like the Grizzlies would not want to do that. The Memphis Grizzlies have not dangled him in any trade talks since acquiring him on draft night, according to Fisher. If the team isn’t looking to move Green while he’s injured, they likely wouldn’t consider moving him if he was healthy, either. So, a trade involving Green is off the table.

Finally, Crowder is likely to land with a team in the Eastern Conference. According to the report, the Suns are unwilling to send Jae Crowder to another team within the Western Conference, especially one that’s likely to be in the Playoffs after the season. It’s what every traded player dreams of being able to do: stick it to their erstwhile team after being discarded. The Suns want to avoid losing in the playoffs at the hands of Crowder and the knowledge he likely possesses of their various systems and sets that would make it easier to expose during a playoff series. So the fact that the Grizzlies are in the same conference as Crowder, is another reason to take them off the wish list.

Whoever lands Crowder will be getting a seasoned 3-and-D veteran with loads of NBA Finals experience.