3 Milwaukee Bucks’ free agents least likely to return next season

3 Milwaukee Bucks’ free agents least likely to return next season: Jae Crowder

The Jae Crowder experiment went far from what the Bucks expected. Milwaukee hoped that the forward could provide excellent defense, toughness, and shooting, but he instead found himself primarily on the bench in two of the team’s most crucial games of the season. Many believed that Crowder was supposed to be this team’s P.J. Tucker, but instead, the only similarity they share is that they both might leave the team in free agency.

One would think that Crowder wasn’t pleased with essentially being sidelined in Milwaukee’s final two playoff contests. Whether it was due to contract issues or losing his starting spot, Crowder’s decision to sit out the first part of this season now looks like a mistake due to his minimal role in Milwaukee down the stretch. He was hampered by a calf injury, but it seemed hard for the wing to get minutes over Wesley Matthews in Mike Budenholzer’s rotation even when he was healthy.

To be clear, Crowder struggled plenty. It would be interesting to see what he could do with a legit off-season under his belt and not starting the season mid-way through, but it is unclear if he will do so in Milwaukee. While the Bucks have his bird rights, that doesn’t mean much these days, as the Bucks also had Tucker’s bird rights before letting him go. Tucker helped the Bucks win a title, and they still let him go. It’d be a bit surprising if they retained Crowder after how things turned out down the stretch.

Crowder’s time with the Bucks was supposed to be something right out of a movie as the former Marquette star returned to Milwaukee. He was supposed to be the ultimate missing piece and needle mover for this team. Unfortunately, it never quite panned out like that.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis throughout the off-season.