With about three hours remaining before the NBA Trade Deadline ended, The Milwaukee Bucks made a key trade that was four months in the making.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to report that the Bucks were landing Jae Crower from the Brooklyn Nets in a deal involving five second rounders. The Bucks and their fans hope Jae Crowder is the championship deadline move similar to what P.J. Tucker was for the team in 2021. I will provide three reasons to love the Jae Crowder trade.
3 Reasons to love the Milwaukee Bucks’ stellar Jae Crowder trade: Versatility
Versatility is key to winning a title in today’s NBA. Having players who are versatile enough to defend multiple positions gives teams a distinct advantage over their opponents. Crowder, as a versatile 3-and-D defender, fits this mold perfectly.
By adding Crowder, the Bucks are able to mimic last year’s closing lineup which features Giannis Antetokounmpo at the center position. Crowders’ ability to guard multiple positions on the perimeter will pose a distinct threat to other contenders in the Eastern Conference who have multiple scorers on the perimeter. This will also allow players such as Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton to reserve energy on the defensive end at times which in turn, makes them more dangerous on the offensive end.
As a career 34 percent 3-point shooter, Crowder has a unique ability to stretch the floor as well. With the Suns in a loss to the Bucks in Game 3 of the 2021 NBA Finals, Crowder tied a playoff career-high with six 3-pointers made. Versatility is something Bucks fans should love about this trade.