Milwaukee Bucks: 5 trade targets to bolster roster before deadline
By Dalton Sell
Jae Crowder
Stuck on a rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies team that is focusing on the future, Jae Crowder’s name has been one floating around in trade rumors recently. If the swingman becomes available, the Bucks should inquire.
At eighth place in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are over-performing but have still been a team found in trade rumors for several players.
If the Grizzlies are more interested in slowly building on their youth movement, swapping Crowder in a deal centered around the Pacers’ pick would make sense, as the Grizzlies want to focus on the future with younger players, while the Bucks could use a guy like Crowder to come off the bench.
Crowder, 29, is having a somewhat inconsistent season offensively, averaging 10.6 points per game, on 38.6 percent from the field, and 30.9 percent from three-point range. However, he does provide a tough defensive mindset night in and night out, which would fit right in with this Bucks’ team. Bringing a guy like Crowder off the bench would provide a spark on both the offensive and defensive ends and would likely be a win-win move for both sides.
Heading into free agency after this season, Crowder may or may not be a long-term fit for the Bucks. Still, he would certainly like to prove to teams across the league he can perform on a contender ahead of his next contract. Set to make almost $8 million this year, Crowder remains a realistic option for this team financially.