NBA insider teases several mystery trade targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

With the trade deadline inching closer, rumors are starting to intensify across the association, especially involving the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks have been linked to a handful of targets lately, most notably Jae Crowder. Milwaukee has been trying to get Crowder for months now to no avail. It seems that Crowder is clearly the team’s top target, but they are reportedly looking at some other players of his archetype if they strike out on the veteran. As reported by Yahoo! Sports’ Jake Fischer on a recent episode of Please Don’t Aggregate This:

"“There are other players I can’t name. I was told [their names] this week and was told not to report it. I know Milwaukee is calling around looking for Jae Crowder types. By that I mean veteran defensive-minded wing forwards who make that type of salary of around $10 or $11 million.”"

NBA insider teases several mystery targets for the Milwaukee Bucks

These rumors are extremely interesting. The Bucks’ interest in Crowder makes sense because the team needs another big-wing defender. While Crowder himself would be a solid target, it appears that the Phoenix Suns are playing hardball with their demands, which could make the Bucks look elsewhere for help.

Looking across the league for targets who fit the mold of what Fischer described, there are a few. The most notable one is Kelly Oubre Jr. of the Charlotte Hornets. Prior to getting hurt, Oubre was having a career year by averaging 20.2 points per game. Unfortunately, Oubre is currently out of the lineup after undergoing hand surgery in early January. He is set to return around February, so the Bucks could have him on their radar if they believe he can return to form. The forward is on the books for $12.6 million this season, so he is somewhere near Crowder’s range.

Another possible option is Robert Covington of the LA Clippers. Convington’s role with the Clippers this season has been inconsistent as ever, and he is averaging the second-fewest minutes of his career with 16.6 per game. The 6-foot-7 power forward would give the Bucks a Crowder-esque defensive-minded veteran who is capable of defending multiple positions at a high level. He also boasts plenty of playoff experience, which would be welcomed in Milwaukee. Covington is making $12.3 million this year, which also slots him in that rumored price range the Bucks are looking at.

Fischer noted in a recent article that the Bucks are looking to package Grayson Allen and second round picks to make a move. The two guard could certainly be involved in a package for Oubre or Covington if those were indeed two names the team has interested in.

Those are just two potential guesses as to who the Bucks could be looking at. There are certainly more names on the list, and it will be interesting to see if those targets are revealed anytime soon.

Stay tuned for many more trade rumblings involving the Milwaukee Bucks.