3 Reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks should not pursue P.J. Tucker via trade

No. 2 - The Milwaukee Bucks have players to fill the P.J. Tucker role

The Bucks have struggled defensively this season. While it has been frustrating to watch and make it seem like Tucker should be a target, that's not necessarily the case.

The absence of Jae Crowder for most of the season has played a part in Milwaukee's lack of defensive success. Assuming Crowder stays healthy upon his return, he plays the same role as Tucker. Crowder, like Tucker, has a reputation as a stellar 3-and-D presence and has produced at a much higher level offensively than Tucker has this season.

Outside of Crowder, the Bucks have an assortment of young options they can look to. MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr. will primarily be called upon when Crowder needs a breather, but Chris Livingston could also fill in if the team wants to play mind games with the opposing teams' perimeter threats.

Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. have been thrown into the fire due to Crowder's injury, but both can return to a regular development pattern upon Crowder's return. While Beauchamp and Jackson Jr. haven't stuffed the stat sheet offensively either, both have been better than Tucker while playing great defense. Crowder's return should help them get into a groove on the offense as they return to their familiar bench roles.

It's no secret that the Bucks have struggled defensively this season. It's been a main takeaway from most of their games this season. At this time, however, the team should not make a panic move for Tucker.

The NBA season is long, and things can change in a hurry. The trade deadline is still over a month away. Crowder will likely return from his injury sometime before then, and the Bucks should decide whether Tucker is worth pursuing. The need for Tucker may change if the defense still needs to be improved at the deadline.