The new NBA season is just weeks away, but Jae Crowder is still without a team. After spending last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, the veteran forward entered free agency. This is where he remains, as one of the top options on the board that remains unsigned. Heading into year 13 of his career, Crowder could provide a tough and experienced 3-and-D wing for any team, especially a contender having played in two NBA Finals. However, no one has made a move yet to sign the veteran.
Two-time NBA Finalist Still Searching for Team in Free Agency
Jae Crowder Remains Unsigned Deep Into The Offseason
Milwaukee paid a hefty price to acquire Crowder from the Brooklyn Nets, as they sent five second-round picks the other way. Three of those headed to the Nets, while two were traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of a three-team trade. Brooklyn had acquired Crowder just days earlier from the Phoenix Suns as a piece in the return for Kevin Durant.
The Milwaukee Bucks are acquiring Jae Crowder in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for five second-round picks, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2023
Crowder had not played for the Suns in the 2022-23 season after agreeing to sit out due to frustrations surrounding his contract. The player revealed he was ‘confused and hurt’ and his coaches did not appreciate what he brought to the team. It was believed that he took issue with Cameron Johnson taking his place in the starting lineup, though this is a claim the player has denied.
He played 18 games for the Bucks following his arrival, averaging 6.9 points in 18.9 minutes. He provided efficiency off the bench, shooting 47.9% from the field and 43.6% from three. Last season, he was not as clinical from three, shooting 34.9%, but provided similar production with increased minutes. He played 50 games, averaging 6.2 points.
Post-Season Experience
There is no doubt that Crowder can provide value to any team, whether a title contender or a young rebuilding team. The vet has been to the NBA Finals twice, both in consecutive years with the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns. With the Heat, he was part of the team that lost in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the bubble, and the Bucks beat the Suns in the same number of games the following year. His experience could be vital in either setting.
However, while he adds veteran know-how, he has struggled in the postseason in recent years. This is perhaps putting teams off with better options available. In the past two seasons, he and the Bucks were eliminated in the first round. Crowder was essentially a non-factor, contributing just 1.8 points per game in 2023, and then 2.3 points in 2024.
It is a steep drop off from his previous two campaigns with Phoenix, in which he was a starter with the team. He played 33.1 minutes per game in their finals run, averaging 10.8 points. His run with Miami saw him add 12 points per game. At 34 years old, he is still searching for a first championship ring. Crowder would command a veteran minimum contract in free agency, making him a cheap, low-risk addition with a potentially high reward.
