But Wait! There’s More!
They both went to Marquette, they both are super hard workers, they are both extreme two-way guys, they both were second-round picks that worked to turn themselves into the players they are, they both played more power forward in college before converting to wings in the league, and they both seem as though they will eat a family member’s heart in front of said family member if it meant winning a game. Again, besides the dreadlocks and the high-top fade, they are pretty much the same dude.
Lastly, it shouldn’t take ane extremely large number to lock Crowder up. He is currently playing on the last year of a five year deal that saw him make about $7 million dollars annually.
If the Miami Heat could get in the around 7.5-9.5 million annually range, which is a steal for a player that produces like he has and gives it to you in all aspects of the game with his size, demeanor, and physical prowess, Crowder can probably be had for a few more years. At four years and at the top end of that range, that’s 4 yrs/38 million, which is a raise for Crowder but also less than the deals given out to both Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson by the Heat.
If you are the Heat, who try to build like they try to build with a specific type of player and with a roster that already will include three soldiers like Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler, and Andre Iguodala, a 3 and d guy who can guard the 2-5 positions at times like Jae Crowder can isn’t a guy that you let leave.
The Miami Heat would be wise to get this done more sooner than later because hitting the open market only means that the number will go up. This is why they should be looking to lock him up beyond this season and as quickly as they can.