The verdict on the Milwaukee Bucks keeping Jae Crowder
Much like another key free agent in Joe Ingles, there is a spot for Crowder on the Bucks moving forward under the right circumstances.
First and foremost, there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee’s wing rotation heading into the off-season. In addition to Crowder being a free agent, Wesley Matthews will also hit the market, and there is no telling what the 36-year-old will do. Pat Connaughton and Grayson Allen are under contract, but after hit-or-miss seasons from both, it would not be too surprising to see either get moved via trade. The Bucks do not want a wing shortage in today’s NBA, and keeping Crowder would be one way to prevent that.
The question is how much Crowder will want. Wanting a new contract seemingly played into his decision to sit out somewhat, but he did not do himself any favors in the end. A major long-term deal seems somewhat unlikely, but would Crowder take a prove-it deal for one year to showcase that he can still play at a high level? If that were the case, it would make sense for the Bucks to bring him back, especially given their current financial bindings. Yet, Crowder may want to test the market for a bigger deal above all else.
In short, bringing Crowder back would make some sense to a degree. Yet, one must wonder if he would even want to come back after his role deteriorated during the NBA Playoffs.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis this off-season.