The Milwaukee Bucks have officially acquired Power Forward Jae Crowder. After months of speculation that the Bucks were interested, the trade finally happened. The trade came less than 24 hours after Phoenix sent Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Jae Crowder to Brooklyn in a deal for Kevin Durant. Adrian Wojnarowski previously reported that the Brooklyn Nets “are expected to explore trade scenarios for Jae Crowder” ahead of the imminent NBA trade deadline. Milwaukee got the deal done and Jae Crowder is officially a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. The next question that needs to be answered is when will Jae Crowder actually take the floor for Milwaukee? That question became a little more clear.
Jae Crowder Timeline Revealed By Milwaukee Bucks
Per NBA.com:
Coach Mike Budenholzer said Monday that Crowder won’t start playing with Milwaukee until after the All-Star break. Crowder won’t be available when the Bucks put their 10-game winning streak on the line Tuesday against the NBA-leading Boston Celtics or when they visit Chicago two nights later.
Crowder hasn’t played at all this season after making 67 starts and averaging 9.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.9 assists for the Phoenix Suns in 2021-22. The Suns announced in late September that Crowder wouldn’t be joining them for training camp in what was described as a mutual decision. They’d been working on a trade for him ever since.
The new member of the Milwaukee Bucks also commented on his relationship with the Phoenix Suns as the two sides clearly were interested in moving on from each other:
“I just feel like it’s behind me now,” Crowder said. “We had some stuff happen internally that they asked me to keep inside, so I’m going to grant their wishes. Obviously I’ve been working with these guys for a trade partner for months now. I think give or take they did exactly what they said they was going to do. Took longer than what we all expected, but it got done.”
In the trade, the Bucks are getting the definition of a 3-and-D forward. Crowder defends at a high level and is known for being a very physical defender. He can also knock down the three-point shot consistently, which is always a plus for a team like the Bucks. At 32 years of age, Crowder also brings with him a load of playoff experience. With Milwaukee looking to get back to and win another NBA Finals, adding veterans like this will make a significant impact.
Jae Crowder To The Bucks Is A Homecoming
Jae Crowder played college ball at Marquette where he averaged 14.6 points per game and was shooting 49.2% from the field and 35% from three. His best season was the 2011-2012 season. That year, his sophomore season, Crowder averaged 17.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.5 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 2.1 assists per game.
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