3 Recent trades that should have worked out better for the Bucks

The Jae Crowder trade

Many were baffled when the Milwaukee Bucks let P.J. Tucker walk in free agency just weeks after he helped them win a title. He certainly doesn't deserve the most credit out of anyone involved, but the veteran earned his flowers for always taking on the toughest matchups on the defensive end. They seemingly felt like they could replace him, and that didn't go well at all.

Whether it was Semi Ojeleye, Wesley Matthews or even briefly Pat Connaughton, none of them could fill the versatile, defensive-minded role that Tucker did so well during his brief time in Milwaukee. The possible replacements just didn't have the height, length or build to adequately take on these tougher matchups as well as Tucker did. They needed a big, defensive-minded wing defender.

When Jae Crowder became available for trade before the 2022-23 season, it felt inevitable that the Bucks would be linked to him. He checked off plenty of the same boxes as Tucker, serving as one of the league's most recognizable 3-and-D forwards who brought toughness whenever he stepped on the basketball court. That type of player was exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks needed.

It took a few months, but the Bucks finally got Crowder at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, and it felt like he'd be a huge addition. They essentially emptied the asset cupboard to get him, trading five second-round picks and three players, Jordan Nwora, Serge Ibaka and George Hill. At the time, the price was justifiable, given Crowder's reputation and how badly the team needed a versatile defender.

While the trade had the potential to help rekindle that 2021 magic, things never panned out. Crowder posted some of his least-productive seasons in over a decade during his two seasons in Milwaukee, struggling to make much of an impact. Injuries also played a part in that, as he spent a good part of last season on the sidelines after undergoing early-season surgery.

Where the Milwaukee Bucks really needed Jae Crowder was in the NBA Playoffs. Well, in eight playoff games over two years, the forward averaged two points and 1.3 rebounds while shooting 25 percent from the floor and 14.3 percent from three in 10.4 minutes per game. Basically, he was a non-factor, failing to live up to the hype that many initially had when this trade first went down.

After two sluggish seasons in Milwaukee, Crowder finds himself still testing the waters of free agency. This deal will always be frustrating because it had all of the potential to succeed but simply never got off the ground like it ultimately should have.

Considering all of the assets they shed to get Crowder and how much trouble the franchise has had in trying to find a worthy replacement, the Milwaukee Bucks should have just paid P.J. Tucker.