Hawks' Reported Interest in Jae Crowder Could Raise Team's Floor in 2022-23 Season

The Atlanta Hawks reportedly have emerged as a potential suitor for Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder in the trade market.

Crowder, who is away from Phoenix until a resolution can be reached on his future, would help sure up Atlanta's depth at the forward position.

The Hawks made a major move already this offseason, trading for All-Star guard Dejounte Murray, but they are a little thin on the wing, with youngsters A.J. Griffin and Jalen Johnson expected to provide minutes off the bench.

Johnson spent the majority of his rookie season in the G League, and Griffin, the team's first-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, may not be ready to give the Hawks immediate contributions, something they need if they want to contend for a title in the 2022-23 season.

At the very least, a deal for Crowder would give the Hawks some insurance if one of their wing players go down or if the youngsters are unable to produce at the level they are hoping. Last season, Crowder averaged 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 39.9 percent from the field and 34.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Crowder is also a plus defender, something Atlanta desperately needs after finishing in the bottom five of the NBA in defensive rating last season.

The Hawks currently have a win total projection of 45.5 and 46.5 wins at various books. There could be value on taking the OVER for this team already in a weaker division in the East, but the addition of Crowder would certainly raise the Hawks' floor in the 2022-23 campaign.

It's unclear what Atlanta would need to give up to get a deal done, but adding Crowder could put the Hawks closer to the 47-48 win threshold if everything else goes right in the 2022-23 season.

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