3 Bucks’ role players who could earn a big payday down the stretch: Jae Crowder
Set to enter unrestricted free agency this off-season, Jae Crowder finds himself in somewhat of an unorthodox situation. After sitting out for the first portion of the season due to some internal dispute with the Phoenix Suns, Crowder landed with the Bucks in February. Rather than showing his worth for an entire season, Crowder will only have a few months, but if he can step up in a big way like the Bucks envisioned he could, he could certainly cash in this off-season.
The Bucks traded for Crowder because they wanted a defensive-minded wing who was versatile in the sense that they could guard multiple positions. Crowder has been just that in his 11 games thus far. He’s brought some added intensity to that side of the ball, and it helps that he has shot 39.4 percent from three as well. Due to how well the veteran has fit in, it would not be surprising to see him end up in Milwaukee’s starting lineup full-time down the stretch. It’s become quite the cliche, but the hope is that Crowder can be a game-changer like P.J. Tucker was in 2021.
If Crowder can help the Bucks like Tucker did, he could earn himself a nice payday. He’s the perfect mold of a 3-and-D wing, and plenty of teams would pay a premium for one of those. If Crowder is capable of making an impact down the stretch, he could earn a deal in the same ballpark as Tucker in that $33 million over three years range, if not more. Ultimately, it all comes down to how he will play over the next few months. “CUT OFF MY FINGER TO SAVE MY HAND” is what Crowder said when he was traded to Milwaukee. He bet on himself, and hopefully, he backs it up.