Milwaukee Bucks and Jae Crowder are expected to agree to a new deal

Could Jae Crowder be returning to the Bucks?

Despite the not-so-rosy postseason experience that saw him play just 10 minutes per game, it appears that veteran forward Jae Crowder is ready to give the Milwaukee Bucks another shot, with a report indicating a new deal is near completion for the free agent. The 3-and-D forward was Milwaukee's prized acquisition at the trade deadline this year, wherein they surrendered a whopping five second-round picks, as well as George Hill, Serge Ibaka, and Jordan Nwora.

Surprise development

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that all signs point to Crowder re-signing with Milwaukee and rejoining a title-contending squad that is hungry for redemption following a shocking first-round exit at the hands of the Miami Heat. This is certainly a surprise development, given the amount of interest that Crowder was generating from other teams.

"Another interesting Milwaukee rumble: The Bucks are increasingly expected to re-sign Jae Crowder after surrendering five (yes, five) second-round picks to acquire him from Phoenix before the February trade deadline," Stein reported.

Another go at it

Perhaps one reason that intrigued Crowder is the presence of new head coach Adrian Griffin. Under former coach Mike Budenholzer, Crowder played just 18 minutes per game and averaged 6.9 points and 3.8 rebounds. Many expected Crowder to have a significant role in the NBA Playoffs, where he regularly thrived due to his physical defense and three-point shooting. 

However, that was not the case; Crowder played just 10 minutes per game and averaged less than two points per game. Worse, he was benched in the series-deciding Game Five—a move many questioned given how the Heat's Jimmy Butler was playing all series long.