After a season and a half, Jae Crowder's time with the Milwaukee Bucks has likely come to an end.
Since coming aboard at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline, Crowder never quite lived up to the moniker of big wing defender that this team needed him to be. His role faded into obscurity in back-to-back trips to the NBA Playoffs, averaging just 10.4 minutes per game across eight contests.
With the Milwaukee Bucks likely to emphasize stocking up on as much youth and athleticism as they can in the off-season, the soon-to-be 34-year-old will likely head elsewhere. Even if he didn't dazzle in Milwaukee, several teams might be willing to take a flyer on a low-cost, experienced 3-and-D wing with Crowder's reputation.
That said, let us pick out five teams who could be Crowder's next stop as he enters free agency.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Bursting onto the scene with a Western Conference Finals appearance after defeating the defending champs this past season, the Minnesota Timberwolves affirmed that they are a legitimate contender. Moving forward, they won't have much money to make splashy free-agent moves, instead relying on a move or two around the edges.
One such move could involve adding Crowder, especially if Minnesota loses key cog Kyle Anderson. After a strong 2023-24, the veteran forward could be due for a raise, and his future in Minnesota is far from guaranteed. If he bolts for a better offer, the Timberwolves will need another veteran forward to take his place, and Crowder could fit the bill.
Though not as impactfully, Crowder could take on Anderson's role, giving Minnesota a versatile piece who can play either forward spot, defend well and provide perimeter shooting. Those qualities make him an easy fit next to the core of Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert. If they do lose Anderson, this would be an incredibly low-risk move to add another forward.
Philadelphia 76ers
The first order of business for the Philadelphia 76ers this NBA off-season is handing Tyrese Maxey a new contract. The second is luring another star player to the City of Brotherly Love to join Maxey and Joel Embiid. However, the third will be addressing their impending forward predicament, as the team will have no shortage of question marks to address in that area in the coming weeks.
Philadelphia is set to have five forwards hit free agency this NBA off-season, including Kelly Oubre Jr., Tobias Harris, Robert Covington, Nicolas Batum and Kenyon Martin Jr. The 76ers could need to stock up on their forward depth pretty soon, as the odds of keeping all of those players are slim, and while Jae Crowder isn't the flashiest name, he could certainly help the cause.
If the 76ers do indeed land another star, such as Paul George or DeMar DeRozan, to form a lethal trio, Crowder could help in their quest to round out the roster with low-cost role players. On a cheap deal on a short-term basis, this would be about as low risk as it gets, giving the 76ers a piece who can, at the minimum, provide experience and length on the perimeter.
Dallas Mavericks
Derrick Jones Jr. was one of the NBA's best bang-for-your-buck signings last off-season. On a cheap, short-term contract, he proved to be a vital cog for Dallas, who made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Now, Jones will likely hunt for a raise, and there are teams out there who may be willing to pay more than Dallas if they feel like the forward can help them like he did for the Mavericks.
If Jones walks, Dallas could pursue Crowder as a replacement. Crowder doesn't possess nearly the same leaping ability or defensive excellence as Jones, but he still could give Dallas another 6-foot-6, battle-tested forward who would be ready to contribute from day one next season. Even if Dallas is able to re-sign Jones, adding another player who fits that description would not hurt.
Crowder is certainly no stranger to Dallas. The forward began his NBA career there, having played his first two and a half seasons there, so there is a sense of familiarity. Of course, the Mavericks look far different now, but still, perhaps the thought of returning to the place where it all started while teaming up with one of the NBA's best duos in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving could be enticing.
Miami Heat
When Jae Crowder was on the trade block in back 2023, it felt like he would inevitably end up with the Milwaukee Bucks or Miami Heat, given that those were the two teams generating the most buzz when his name was brought up. Of course, he ended up with the former, but it wouldn't be overly surprising if the tides turned this time around.
The Heat know Crowder, as he played for them during the 2019-20 season, having served as a crucial piece during their run to the NBA Finals. He has familiarity with that roster and coaching staff, as most of the key pieces, such as Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Erik Spoelstra, were all there, so that may be an interesting selling point for both parties.
Miami also has several forwards set to hit free agency. Caleb Martin and Kevin Love both hold player options, while Haywood Highsmith is an unrestricted free agent. If any of those players depart, which seems likely that not all of them will be back, Miami could target Crowder as a low-cost alternative to replenish their forward depth.
For years, the Heat have been seeking a power forward who fits next to Bam Adebayo, and one could argue that Crowder was the best-fitting option they've had, so bringing him back would be valid.
Cleveland Cavaliers
With All-star players such as Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland and a well-built supporting cast, the Cleveland Cavaliers have all of the makings to become a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference. Once they settle on who their new head coach will be, the team will be tasked with getting a new deal done with Mitchell and tweaking the supporting cast.
A reunion with Crowder - he played 53 games there during the 2017-18 season - could make for an interesting option for the Cavaliers, as they were rumored to check in on his availability before the Bucks traded for him in 2023, per The Athletic's Joe Vardon (Subscription required). Reigniting that interest would make sense, especially if it comes via a cheap deal.
Crowder would give Cleveland a big wing who can provide some defense on the perimeter and a fine outside shot. He'd fit seamlessly with this supporting cast on the court while also providing valuable leadership due to his experience. For a team looking to get over the hump, a battle-tested veteran of Jae Crowder's caliber could do them a lot of good.
In addition to having ties to the Cavaliers, Crowder has a connection with Mitchell, as the two played together with the Utah Jazz previously. Perhaps reuniting with the star guard could be enticing for Jae Crowder as he scouts the market. The fit simply makes sense for both sides.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.