Why a Jae Crowder trade does not make sense for the Dallas Mavericks

Jae Crowder is a streaky shooter that could sway the Dallas Mavericks' playoff hopes

Crowder is a winning player that makes any contending team better. The 6’6 forward has the versatility to guard multiple positions, and he just makes plays that help his team win. Crowder has played in the NBA Finals in two of the last three years, but his offensive game could be the deciding factor in the team’s success.

Crowder is a career 34.6 percent 3-point shooter, but one look at his stats shows that he is a streaky shooter. Over the last five seasons, his 3-point percentage for the entire year has ranged from 32.3 percent to 38.9. Shooting variation can decide a playoff series, and Crowder's numbers have peaks and valleys.

As the Mavericks defeated the Suns in three of the final four games of their second-round series, Crowder made just five of his 19 3-point tries. The 6’6 forward was not the reason Phoenix lost, but his shooting did not help the Suns late in that series.

The Mavs want shooters around Luka Doncic, and they are going to rely on them to sink open looks in the postseason as teams sell out to stop the 23-year-old superstar. Crowder is a streaky option that could go cold in the playoffs. If he is hot, that could win Dallas a series, but going the other way could see the Mavericks make an early exit.

Jae Crowder offers a talent upgrade to the Dallas Mavericks, but the circumstances prevent a trade from making sense. Acquiring the 32-year-old forward will improve a contender, but it won’t be the Mavericks.