When the Phoenix Suns agreed to the asking price of the Brooklyn Nets of Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and four first round picks, they thought the deal was virtually done. But the Nets then also wanted Jae Crowder included.
For the moment, the request of Crowder was a dealbreaker for the Suns’ decision-makers. Crowder had been on the trade market for months and he was quickly flipped by the Nets to the Milwaukee for five second round picks.
The Suns pivoted to trade discussions for John Collins and they nearly had a deal in place to acquire him.
Mat Ishbia called James Jones a few hours later and approved the deal with the inclusion of Crowder.