Gathering the latest Milwaukee Bucks trade rumors before 2022-23 season

Rumor No. 2 – The Milwaukee Bucks have trade interest in veteran Jae Crowder

With Jerami Grant and Bojan Bogdanovic unavailable, it makes sense that the Milwaukee Bucks are reportedly among the teams interested in Jae Crowder. As mentioned in the previously noted article, ESPN’s Zach Lowe reported that the Bucks have internal interest in acquiring the veteran forward after he recently requested a trade from the Phoenix Suns. Crowder is arguably the top name on the trade market right now, and it is interesting to think about his fit in Milwaukee.

When rumors first surfaced about Crowder, it was obvious why many speculated that the team would look to bring him in. Not only could the Bucks use another power forward, but it would be icing on the cake if they got one who was as versatile and reputable defensively as Crowder. Lowe noted that the Bucks think Crowder could be a replacement for P.J. Tucker, which is a common thought that continues popping up in these conversations. Tucker was a pivotal piece to Milwaukee’s 2021 title win, and the team has struggled to replace him since he departed. Crowder shares a lot of similar qualities as Tucker, and he would fit like a glove with the Bucks.

Defensively, Crowder would immediately make the Bucks more formidable. It is clear the Bucks are looking for more switchable defenders, and Crowder is just that. Having Crowder alongside players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jrue Holiday would help take Milwaukee’s defensive intensity up a notch. The Bucks were plagued by a lack of reliable wing defenders last season, and Crowder would immediately provide some relief in that area. The 32-year-old is still capable of taking on the assignment of defending the opposing team’s top scorer nightly, and he would be a huge pickup for the Bucks because of it.

Crowder’s $10.2 million salary for next season is reasonable, and it will be captivating to see if the Bucks make a move. The forward is the perfect target for what this team is always in the hunt for more of, so it would make sense if they pushed their chips to the center of the table to bring him in for their quest to win another title. Lowe reported that the Bucks will look to add one more piece to their roster this season, and that could very well be Crowder.