JUST IN: Milwaukee Bucks Star has made shocking decision he wants to leave.

The Milwaukee Bucks have failed to reach the second round of the NBA Playoffs for two consecutive seasons. However, it has not been from a lack of trying. General manager Jon Horst has tried valiantly to surround two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with quality role players that could help the team return to the NBA Finals.

Of course, his most noteworthy move of the last two seasons has been acquiring All-Star point guard Damian Lillard in a trade with the Portland Trailblazers. This season, he also traded for defensive guru Patrick Beverley in a trade with the Philadelphia 76ers. Unfortunately, it was not enough.

While it is hard to blame Horst for the team’s inability to advance over the last two seasons due to injuries to Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Lillard, it is also worth mentioning that some of the moves he has made look less than stellar in hindsight.

The Milwaukee Bucks Gave Up 5 Second Round Picks to Acquire Jae Crowder

Back in February of 2023, the Bucks were looking to make a mid-season acquisition that would improve their defense and three-point shooting. Crowder, who had been holding out after becoming disgruntled with the Phoenix Suns, was acquired in a multi-team deal. At the time, it seemed like a good move.

The problem now, though, is that the Bucks had to give up five second round picks to get him, and Crowder proved to be less than playable in big situations.

In the Bucks’ first round series loss to the Miami Heat last season, Crowder only played 10 minutes per game and averaged 1.8 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. He also did not make a single three-point shot in the series.

This year, against the Indiana Pacers, Crowder again played 10 minutes per game, averaging 2.3 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game. He was only one-of-seven from three during the series (14.3%).

Has Jae Crowder Bid Farewell to the Milwaukee Bucks?

In a social media post recently, Crowder sent out two simple words: “Closed chapter.”

Whether this is meant to be about his time in Milwaukee or something else is not really clear. However, it would not be surprising if he was informed by the Bucks that he is not in their plans for next season.

Crowder re-signed with the Bucks on a veteran minimum deal before the season and after the firing of Mike Budenholzer. Again, the expectation was that he would provide good defense and three-point shooting off the bench.

That, unfortunately, did not happen. Despite playing more minutes per game this season compared to last, he averaged just 6.2 points per game, the lowest mark of his career besides his rookie season. His 0.8 steals and 0.2 blocks per game were also career-lows.

Crowder will be 34 next season and, undoubtedly, will be signed by some team that needs veteran leadership. However, at this point in his career, it is hard to see him having a big role anywhere.