6 Cheap veterans Celtics can target this offseason

3. Jae Crowder

Crowder is all-in on chasing a championship. He has appeared in the playoffs for ten straight years, including twice reaching the NBA Finals, but the veteran is still looking for his first ring. The Bucks traded for him at the 2023 deadline, and he signed a one-year minimum contract to stay last summer. If the Celtics defeat Milwaukee in the playoffs, does Crowder try to return to Boston?

There was rumored interest before his trade to the Bucks. The Cs acquired Crowder in the Rajon Rondo trade with the Mavericks in 2014. He spent parts of three seasons in Boston where he averaged 12.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 29.8 minutes per game. He was traded to Cleveland in the infamous Kyrie Irving deal.

Crowder is no longer suited for that role. He is an impactful bench option capable of spacing the floor and guarding multiple positions. There is nothing flashy about his game, but every contender needs role players willing to knock down open shots and defend. Crowder excels in that role and is eager to play it.

Jae Crowder will likely take another minimum contract to chase a championship in the offseason. Does he stick with the Bucks or move on? The Boston Celtics are the best team in the Eastern Conference so do not rule out a reunion.