8 Basketball Players who Played for Suns and Bucks
There is a good chance that if you’ve found this page then you’re playing the Immaculate Grid.
That also means that today’s grid has asked for players that have played for both the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
And, it also means that you’re probably stuck on this particular box and you’re looking for a little help. Sound about right so far?
Well, good news, you’re in the right place.
I’ve done some research and have found players who played for both the Suns and the Bucks.
P.J. Tucker
After being drafted by the Toronto Raptors in the second round of the 2006 NBA Draft, P.J. Tucker had a brief stint in the league before refining his skills overseas. He returned to the NBA in 2012, signing with the Phoenix Suns.
Tucker gained prominence during his five seasons with the Suns due to his gritty defense and ability to stretch the floor. However, it was his time with the Houston Rockets where he really made a mark, establishing himself as one of the league’s top “3-and-D” specialists.
Tucker has bounced around to multiple teams in recent years providing solid play on the court and veteran leadership, including the 2021 Championship Bucks team.
Jae Crowder
Jae Crowder is an NBA player known for his toughness and versatility. He was drafted 34th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012 NBA Draft, but was immediately traded to the Dallas Mavericks where he spent the first part of his career.
Crowder has been something of an NBA journeyman, playing for several teams including the Celtics, Cavaliers, Jazz, Grizzlies, Heat, Suns and Bucks. Despite changing teams frequently, Crowder has consistently been valued for his ‘3-and-D skills’ (three-point shooting and defense), as well as his ability to play both forward positions.
He has played crucial roles in deep playoff runs for several teams, including the Miami Heat in 2020, where he helped the team reach the NBA Finals, and the Phoenix Suns in 2021, also reaching the NBA Finals.
*Crowder was previously the most popular pick for this square (Grid 9)
Sam Cassell
Sam Cassell enjoyed a successful 15-season career in the NBA, known for his clutch shooting and leadership. Drafted 24th overall by the Houston Rockets in the 1993 NBA Draft, Cassell proved instrumental in the Rockets’ back-to-back NBA Championships in 1994 and 1995.
His tenure in the NBA saw him wearing jerseys for eight different teams, including standout stints with the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Clippers.
Despite being traded multiple times, Cassell consistently produced on the court, averaging 15.7 points and 6.0 assists per game over his career. He was named an All-Star once, in 2003-04, while with the Timberwolves.
Cassell Key Stats
- All-Star (Timberwolves)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Nets, Bucks, Clippers)
Goran Dragic
Goran Dragić was selected as the 45th overall pick in the second round of the 2008 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs, but he was subsequently traded to the Phoenix Suns.
Over his career, Dragić has played for several teams, including the Suns, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, and Toronto Raptors. He was named the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2014 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018.
Dragić has career averages (to date) of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.0 rebounds per game. His crafty playmaking, scoring ability, and leadership on the court have been key factors in his success as an NBA player. He played an instrumental role in helping the Miami Heat reach the NBA Finals in 2020.
Dragic Key Stats
- All-Star (Heat)
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Heat)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Rockets, Suns, Heat)
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe has made his name as a strong and agile point guard. He was picked 18th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the Oklahoma City Thunder but was promptly traded to the Los Angeles Clippers.
During his time with the Clippers, Bledsoe was often used as a backup to All-Star Chris Paul, showing promise with his athleticism and defensive prowess. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2013 where he became a full-time starter and had a chance to show his scoring ability, averaging almost 19 points per game during his tenure with the Suns.
In 2017, Bledsoe was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he fit well in the team’s high-tempo, defensive-minded system. His contributions helped the Bucks achieve the best record in the NBA for the 2018-19 season and reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
Bledsoe Key Stats
- 20+ Points/Game Season (Suns)
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (Suns, Bucks)
Robin Lopez
Robin Lopez was selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns in the 2008 NBA Draft. In his early career with the Suns, Lopez provided reliable depth at the center position, known for his rim protection and rebounding.
His time in Phoenix was followed by a successful stint with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he became a full-time starter and was appreciated for his defensive efforts and hard screens.
Lopez then had brief but impactful spells with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, and Milwaukee Bucks, providing a steady inside presence and veteran leadership. In recent years, Lopez has continued to bounce around with multiple teams with varied levels of success.
Torrey Craig
Torrey Craig was undrafted but worked his way into the league after playing professionally overseas and in the NBA G League. Craig made his NBA debut with the Denver Nuggets during the 2017-2018 season. Known for his defensive prowess and hustle, Craig has carved out a role in the league as a valuable role player.
One of his career highlights came during the 2020-2021 season when he played for both NBA Finals teams, the Bucks and the Suns, in the same season. He was traded from the Bucks to the Suns during the season, then faced his former team in the Finals.
He actually won an NBA championship ring with the Milwaukee Bucks, despite playing for the Suns during the Finals, due to the league’s rules about receiving a ring if traded during the championship season.
Ish Smith
Ish Smith was drafted as the 17th pick in the second round of the 2010 NBA Development League Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Though he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA Draft, he made his NBA debut later that year with the Houston Rockets.
Primarily known as a journeyman point guard and a valuable role player, Smith’s quickness and ability to distribute the ball have been his standout attributes.
Over his NBA career, Smith has played for an incredible 13 different teams, including the Grizzlies, Warriors, Magic, 76ers, Pistons, Wizards, Hornets and Pistons (and that’s barely over half!).
Smith Key Stats
- 5+ Assists/Game Season (76ers, Pelicans, Pistons, Wizards)
