Boston Celtics

Jae Crowder signs five year, $35 million contract with Celtics

Published Jul. 2, 2015 11:09 a.m. ET

foxsports

The Boston Celtics have long made it known that re-signing restricted free agent Jae Crowder was one of their top priorities this summer. Mission accomplished.

This is fantastic value for a hard-nosed 6'6" forward who turns 25 on July 6th. Boston locks Crowder up through his prime, guaranteeing they get the best years of his career at a price that already looks like a bargain thanks to the rising salary cap.

Crowder averaged 9.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game after Boston acquired him from Dallas in the Rajon Rondo trade. His three-point shot must improve if he's to become the player the Celtics ultimately need him to be. Crowder is a career 31.6 percent shooter from behind the arc.

But his ability to defend multiple positions at a high level gives head coach Brad Stevens serious lineup options that can create problematic mismatches for opponents. Crowder is strong enough to guard beefy power forwards down low and quick enough to switch out on guards 25 feet from the basket.

The Celtics wanted Crowder back for a reason, and they should be thrilled they signed him without sacrificing their flexibility.

Photo Credit: Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports