Bucks 'considered the favorites' to acquire Jae Crowder from Suns

As Thursday's NBA trade deadline approaches, there's one playerwho's virtually guaranteed to be traded: Jae Crowder.

The 32-year-old has sat out this season while the Phoenix Sunslook for the right trade, and it would be a huge surprise if hewasn't dealt over the next 48 hours.

Numerous playoff teams have shown interest in Crowder, includingthe Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Miami Heat and Portland TrailBlazers. However, the Bucks are "considered the favorites" toacquire Crowder, according to Matt Moore of The Action Network.

Milwaukee was given permission to meet with Crowder recently,and they have discussed a number of potential packages with theSuns. The Bucks have floated various trade proposals includingJordan Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka and second-round picks, perShams Charania of TheAthletic.

Crowder hasn't played this season, but he averaged 9.4 points,5.3 rebounds, 1.9 threes and 1.4 steals last year while shooting34.8% from three-point range. He's a quality role player who alsoprovides leadership and toughness.

Crowder is earning $10,183,800 this season and he'll be anunrestricted free agent this summer. He wants a contract extension,which is where his frustration with the Suns stemmed from.

It remains to be seen whether the Suns can find a better offerthan what the Bucks have put together for Crowder, but it soundslike Milwaukee is the current leader in the Crowdersweepstakes.