Celtics' 2024 Free-Agent Big Board, Top Players to Target | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rum

In the modern NBA, there is no such thing as a roster with too many wings. Even if there was, the Celtics wouldn't be in danger of crossing that threshold. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are certified stars, but the only traditional wing backing them up is sharpshooter Sam Hauser.

It's possible, then, that a wing-sized player with strength and at least a semi-reliable outside shot could catch the attention of this front office. Especially if said player arrived with as much big-stage experience as Jae Crowder, a 33-year-old with 115 playoff appearances under his belt.

Now, it's worth noting that Crowder, who spent two-plus seasons in Boston earlier in his career, is coming off two of the quieter campaigns he's ever authored. He only played 18 games in 2022-23, as his trade request away from the Phoenix Suns wasn't granted for months, and while he played 50 games this season, his role wasn't huge (23.1 minutes, second-fewest since 2014-15) and effectively evaporated in the playoffs (zero minutes over Milwaukee's final two tilts).

That should slot him into free agency's clearance section, but it maybe won't convince Boston to stay away. If the Celtics see enough life left in his outside shot (37 percent since the start of 2020-21), then they might value his defense, veteran savvy and ability to fill a low-maintenance offensive role.

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