Rumors: Dallas Mavericks linked to Jae Crowder trade talks

The Dallas Mavericks opened training camp on Monday with media day, and practices begin on Sept. 27. They will miss Jalen Brunson, but Dallas has their sights set on getting back into the playoffs and reaching the NBA Finals for just the third time in franchise history. Training camp is just the beginning of the journey, but that is what the Mavs are looking to build towards.

The Phoenix Suns held media day on Monday, but veteran forward Jae Crowder did not attend after he and the team mutually agreed he would stay home as the organization searched for a trade. Crowder helped the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021 and was a starter as they had the best regular season record in the league last season.

Contending teams are likely lining up with offers for the 6’6 forward, but Shams Charania linked four teams to the trade talks, including the Mavs. Here is a closer look at what the NBA insider had to say, and why Dallas would have to do some roster shuffling to acquire Crowder.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks linked to Jae Crowder trade talks

Charania notes the Suns have dangled Crowder in trade talks all summer before mentioning the Celtics, Grizzlies, Heat, and Mavericks as teams that “could be interested in Jae Crowder”. All four are contending teams that could use another 3-and-D option on their roster.

ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that the Suns planned to play Cam Johnson more, which led to Crowder's trade request. The veteran wants to play significant minutes on a contending team. His best position is at the four where the Mavericks are deepest. Crowder will not start over Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dallas needs to find minutes for Maxi Kleber and Christian Wood at the four.

Would the Mavericks be able to offer Jae Crowder enough playing time that he would be happy in Dallas? The 32-year-old started his NBA career with the Mavs before being traded to Boston in 2014. Would he welcome a reunion? It is a story to monitor, especially after the Dallas Mavericks were linked to Crowder by Shams Charania, and stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.