What the Milwaukee Bucks should do with each impending free agent

Jae Crowder – If cheap, retain

The Jae Crowder experiment did not go according to plan. It seemed like Crowder would play a big role for the Bucks down the stretch into the playoffs, but his role was diminished in the playoffs. While Crowder was not excellent during his time with the Bucks, he may have a valid gripe about not playing. One would think that could have him wanting to head elsewhere this off-season, but that is not certain. Crowder did not do himself any favors by sitting out for most of the season, so perhaps he’d be willing to take a “prove it deal” and try to cash in next off-season. If so, it would not hurt for the Milwaukee Bucks to keep an experienced and defensive-minded wing.

Carter – Retain, though it may be challenging

In his first full season with the Bucks, Jevon Carter had the best season of his career. He was an excellent backup point guard to Jrue Holiday and a perfect fit in Milwaukee. Carter will now have a decision to make regarding his $2.2 million player option for next season. Given how well he fits in with the Bucks, the front office would surely like him to opt in, but it seems inevitable that he will decline and test the open market. In that case, the Bucks do have his early-bird rights and would have to give the guard a quality raise to retain him. It would be challenging for the Bucks to find a suitable backup with their limited assets and spending money, so they should try to keep him.