2 things the Milwaukee Bucks need at the 2023 NBA trade deadline: A big wing defender who can double as a small ball four
It is no secret that the Milwaukee Bucks are always on the hunt for more defensive help to fortify their efforts on that end. This season should be no different, as the Bucks should be looking for a defensive-minded forward to help them take on bigger wings. Wesley Matthews has been used as Milwaukee’s primary big wing defender this season, and he has done a fine job. However, without Matthews, essentially all of the other wings and guards in Milwaukee’s current rotation are under 6-foot-5, which has led to some problematic matchups. The team could use some help quickly.
Of course, when it has come to defensive-minded trade targets for the Bucks this season, the one name that has popped up the most has been Jae Crowder. The Bucks had shown interest in using their limited assets to get Crowder from the moment he requested a trade from the Phoenix Suns before the season began. Milwaukee’s interest in Crowder is justified, as the 6-foot-6 wing would be a great fit for this team on the defensive end. When the Bucks play teams with bigger wings in Boston or Brooklyn, Crowder could be utilized to defend those players. His height and toughness could both be valuable attributes in those particular matchups.
In addition to being a lengthy defender, Crowder would also bring more versatility. The Bucks have longed for a small-ball power forward for quite some time now, and Crowder would be the perfect fit. Right now, the Bucks don’t have a player to fill that role when Giannis Antetokounmpo goes to the center position. Given how deadly the Bucks have proven to be in those lineups, adding a piece like Crowder to bring out the best in those particular lineups would help this team improve.
Crowder seems like the target the Bucks covet the most leading up to the deadline, but if another team jumps in and acquires him, there are other targets out there. Two notable players who could be worth keeping an eye on are Kelly Oubre Jr. and P.J. Washington. As noted by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, teams are keeping an eye on Oubre, and Washington could possibly be had before the deadline. Either player would be a great fit with the Bucks for reasons similar to Crowder.