Miami Heat: Ranking each upcoming free agent by priority

4) Jae Crowder

Another piece to the Iguodala trade, Jae Crowder actually saw significant playing time in Miami. Of his 14-game availability, he suited up 13 times and made one starting appearance.

Crowder posted 11.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1.5 assists per game. He’s a combo forward who can defend and shoot the three, and still at just 29 years old.

A trusted veteran who’s got significant postseason experience, Crowder’s seen the playoffs in six different seasons, mostly as a member of the Boston Celtics. That, with his disrupting defensive tendencies and overall IQ, makes him a hard guy to say goodbye to.

There’s no doubt he’s added value to this year’s Heat team and definitely would have a meaningful role on the team next season. The larger question is how much he’ll garner on the free-agent market. With not a ton of cap to spare, Miami may be forced to let him walk to a larger payday.

Crowder’s coming off of a five-year deal worth $35-million. And while that was no doubt a big payday of his career, he should be in line for an even nicer deal this summer.

So what will be his main motivator this offseason? A contract that pays or one that gives him the best chance at a championship? That is the question that the Miami Heat must get an answer to.