3. Jae Crowder
Crowder is an unrestricted free agent this summer that can sign with any team after a strange season. The 6’6 forward played in the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2021, and he remained a key starter and contributor for the Suns in 2022. Phoenix was bounced by the Mavericks in the second round, but Crowder averaged 29.5 minutes per game throughout last year’s playoffs.
This season, he was told that he would be replaced in the starting lineup by Cameron Johnson, so Crowder did not show up for training camp. He requested a trade and refused to play until the Suns granted him one. Crowder was finally dealt to Milwaukee in February, but he averaged just over 18 minutes per game in the regular season and was a virtual non-factor in their first-round playoff loss to the Heat.
What does Jae Crowder have left in the tank as he enters free agency? The Grizzlies will be searching for defense and wing depth this offseason, and the 6’6 forward is a proven winner. Could the two sides be in for a reunion?
Crowder played 45 games for the Grizzlies to start the 2019-2020 season. The 6’6 forward sealed Ja Morant’s first NBA victory with a buzzer-beating 3-pointer that fans can relive below.
Other than that highlight, Crowder’s time in Memphis was forgettable. He will be searching for a new contract this summer, and there could be a fine fit with the Grizzlies playing next to Ja Morant.