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Milwaukee Bucks get defensive, trade for Jae Crowder

By Brian Sampson

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 06: Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Fiserv Forum on March 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 132-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 06: Grayson Allen #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Fiserv Forum on March 06, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns 132-122. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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It finally happened! After months and months of rumors and trade talk, the Milwaukee Bucks finally acquired Jae Crowder.

The Bucks were trying to coerce the Phoenix Suns into a deal, but didn’t really have anything they liked. Then, the Nets imploded, traded Kyrie Irving a few days ago and moved Kevin Durant while most of the nation was sleeping on Wednesday night-Thursday morning.

As part of the KD deal, the Suns sent Crowder to Brooklyn. However, the former Marquette star was never going to play for Brooklyn and had been posturing to return to Milwaukee for months, according to reports. Milwaukee then struck a deal to bring him to his destination team.

The Milwaukee Bucks upgraded their defense at the NBA Trade Deadline, by acquiring forward Jae Crowder from the Brooklyn Nets.

The Bucks are reportedly shipping out five second-round picks and wing Jordan Nwora as part of a three-team deal that also includes the Indiana Pacers. As of the writing of this article, the details aren’t yet clear. Milwaukee will also have to send another player in the deal to match salary, most likely George Hill.

Here’s what we know as of now (this is updated):

  • The Bucks are getting Crowder
  • Indiana is receiving Nwora, George Hill, Serge Ibaka and three second-round selections
  • The Nets are receiving two second-round picks

While details continue to be shared, the Bucks clearly upgraded their team for the immediate future. Acquiring Crowder is a win-now type move that further positions Milwaukee to win another NBA Championship.

Crowder will give them an excellent defensive player who brings toughness and versatility to the court. He can either slide in at the three or play the four with Giannis Antetokounmpo running center. He will also give them a valuable piece to defend the Boston Celtics’ dynamic duo of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.

His arrival in Milwaukee should also have a snowball effect on his teammates.

Holiday will be relieved of having to defend the opposing team’s best wing player and can focus more of his efforts on offense. His efficiency has dipped in the postseason, as he spent a ton of energy shutting down the opposing team’s best scorer. Crowder can now take on the lion’s share of that responsibility.

It will also minimize the defensive roles Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen will play in the postseason. Both players, particularly Allen, can get caught up in mismatches that are advantageous for opposing teams.

Next. Bucks notebook: Trade deadline, Ibaka, spare parts, more. dark

Overall, Milwaukee will be an extremely difficult team to score against in the halfcourt. A closing lineup that includes Holiday, Crowder, Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez will keep offensive players up at night. It’s a trade reminiscent of the one Milwaukee made for P.J. Tucker two years ago and fans are hopeful it produces the same results.

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