NBA trade rumors: 5 deals that land Jae Crowder on a Playoff team

NBA Trade: Jae Crowder boosts defensive intensity for the Chicago Bulls.

Following an admiringly successful season, the Chicago Bulls are quietly facing a steep battle to avoid the Play-In Tournament. Their lead point guard, Lonzo Ball is suffering through a horrid injury rehab and the team’s lackluster offseason poses questions about their ability to compete in an increasingly merciless Eastern Conference.

While adding Crowder to the rotation, the Bulls sacrifice some of their depth at the guard position in favor of another wing/forward defender to support Patrick Williams. Crowder’s floor-spacing and veteran know-how would make for a serious addition to the Bulls’ rotation. While it may not be the starting job he yearned for, Crowder has the wherewithal to know that a job with this kind of responsibility will bode well for his free-agent stock.

Phoenix would also get a substantial scoring threat in the backcourt with the addition of guard Coby White, whose status on the Bulls has been in question for more than a year. A 22-year-old with speed, shooting and dribbling talent, White would make for an impactful Sixth Man and spark plug as part of a contending group that is quietly suffering from depth issues.