Home/NBA

USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Has anybody recovered from the drama of the 2023 Playoffs? The theatrics began in the very first round, when the Milwaukee Bucks, the best team in the league, lost stunningly to the 8th-seeded Miami Heat. A historic upset. Of course, with Giannis Antetokounmpo missing most of the series, the team had somewhat of an excuse. If that wasn’t enough Jimmy Butler was red hot. He looked invulnerable to the Bucks’ suffocating defense in all 5 games. With their backs firmly against the wall, there was one card the Bucks were expected to play but didn’t.

During the trade deadline, Milwaukee acquired Jae Crowder, a veteran well-known for his two-way game. Somehow, he never got the opportunity to fulfill his duties. Despite him openly expressing his confusion, it seems he might have another shot at redemption.

Milwaukee Bucks plan to bring back Crowder

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Crowder is prominently known for his stint with the Vice City and the Phoenix Suns. It was there that he earned his stripes for playing smothering defense and making timely shots. Milwaukee brought him in solely due to this reputation. It was meant to be the final move that secures Milwaukee’s chances of winning their third-ever championship. Shockingly, during the postseason, Crowder averaged only 10 minutes per contest. His numbers shot down to an abysmal 1.8 points per game. He was shooting just 23% from the field.

USA Today via Reuters

Watch This Story – Watch Conor McGregor’s Bitter Rival Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Restaurant “M-Eat By Khabib”

“I’m very confused as to why I was brought here,” he told the media after the Bucks’ shocking playoff loss to the Miami Heat.

As an unrestricted free agent, it is probable many franchises show interest in Crowder. His skills are invaluable to any title-contending organization. But despite them starting off on the wrong foot, the Bucks are determined to re-sign the veteran forward.

How will the 2021 Champions re-calibrate this off-season?

With a new coach in Adrian Griffin, Crowder is also reportedly leaning towards returning to the Deer District.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

He is expected to sign a contract that pays him $5-$8 million dollars annually. The Milwaukee Bucks also have other pieces to worry about though.

Khris Middleton, the longest reigning teammate to Antetokounmpo declined his $40 million player option recently. A few sides have shown interest, with the Sacramento Kings knocking on the 6’7” wing’s door. However, Middleton is still expected to re-sign with the Bucks on a long-term deal.

Unrestricted free agent Brook Lopez will most likely follow suit, though financials will be the real trick here. The DPOY candidate and invincible rim protector could get a hike in his salary according to Woelfel’s Word Press.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

READ MORE-Having Voiced Strong Views On Failure, Giannis Antetokounmpo Boasts Off Speaking Massive Dream Into Existence

After last season’s upset, the Bucks are after vengeance. This time, they come in with a new system, a different approach, yet the same objective. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee take the crowns of champions once again?