Atlanta Hawks: 3 veteran free agent targets to help playoff push

Atlanta Hawks free agent target No. 2: Jae Crowder

Another savvy veteran with a 3-point stroke and a gritty defensive presence, the Atlanta Hawks should look to lure Jae Crowder away from their Southeast Division rivals, the Miami Heat.

Splitting the season between the Heat and the Memphis Grizzlies, the seasoned veteran averaged 10.5 points on .401/.343/.776 shooting splits, 5.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game on the year. Crowder has made a living in the NBA as a 3-and-D wing and will now enter unrestricted free agency with no shortage of suitors because of it.

The swingman is coming off a trip to the NBA Finals, where he played a vital part in Miami’s storied run. As Crowder’s teammate Duncan Robinson put it, via South Florida Sun Sentinal:

"“Jae’s so versatile. He’s really like a Swiss Army knife for us, and he’s been that ever since we got him. His versatility on offense and on defense, the ability to switch multiple positions and muck things up defensively and also dribble, pass and shoot on offense, he’s an incredibly unselfish player.”"

Now, it is no secret that the Heat are looking to keep their cap space freed up to make a run at some superstars in the 2021 offseason, which leaves Crowder’s future with the team up in the air. If Crowder does depart, a player with his skill set could unquestionably help the Atlanta Hawks, and the team should have him on their wishlist, as he fits the bill for their needs.

The Hawks could offer him a fitting deal with their substantial amount of spending money this offseason, and perhaps that could be enticing to the 30-year-old. Only time will tell, but Jae Crowder would surely be a significant addition to this Atlanta team in need of help on both ends of the floor.