Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 names to watch in free agency

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 06: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat reacts to a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Four of the 2020 NBA Finals at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on October 6, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 09: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 09: Jae Crowder #99 of the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

JAE CROWDER

Jae Crowder is an unrestricted free agent that last played for the Miami Heat. At 30-years old, he’s a short-term power forward option, but provides high-level perimeter defense as well as enough shooting to space the floor.

Crowder struggled last season through 45 games with the Memphis Grizzlies, however upon being traded to the Heat, he averaged 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.5 blocks. He also shot splits of 48/45/73, although take this with a grain of salt as his numbers in Miami were much, much higher than in Memphis.

Crowder would be an interesting fit next to Karl-Anthony Towns. He would bring enough spacing to where Towns could consistently attack the paint but also be a positive defender. Crowder is one of the better role players in a free agency class that has a lot of them.

Should there be interest, he would be on the cheaper end of the spectrum when it comes to contract value. Crowder was paid roughly seven million dollars last season, and his next deal will probably be around that same per-year value.

All in all, Crowder is a solid option for the Timberwolves, and should absolutely be considered.