The Sacramento Kings made one of the biggest splashes this summer by acquiring DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls via a sign-and-trade. Furthermore, they re-signed Malik Monk and Alex Len, acquired Jalen McDaniels and Jordan McLaughlin, and drafted Devin Carter. Additionally, they moved on from Harrison Barnes, Sasha Vezenkov, and Davion Mitchell, among a few other role players. Last season, the Kings finished with a 46-36 record. Though this was just a two-game dropoff from their 2022-23 campaign, they fell from the No. 3 seed to the No. 9 seed, ultimately missing the 2024 playoffs. The Kings appear prepared to make it back to the playoffs next year. In addition to the moves they made this summer, Sacramento reportedly has interest in adding more veterans to the team. This includes free agent forward Jae Crowder, who knows a thing or two about deep playoff runs.
According to Kings reporter Sean Cunningham, the Kings will bring Crowder in for a workout. As Cunningham mentions, the Kings also recently worked out Isaiah Thomas, Crowder’s former teammate. However, there has not been an update since.
According to sources, free agent forward Jae Crowder will be working out with the Sacramento Kings this week. The 34-year-old veteran was with the Bucks last season.
Like last month with Isaiah Thomas, Crowder will join roster players in town seeking on-court competition.— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) September 10, 2024
In his 12-year NBA career, Crowder has made two NBA Finals appearances (the Cleveland Cavaliers traded him before their finals run in 2018). Furthermore, he has three conference finals appearances under his belt as well.
Sacramento Kings Reportedly Working Out 3-And-D Forward
What Jae Crowder Would Bring to Sacramento
The Marquette alum most recently spent parts of the last two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. However, he is likely best known for his stints either with the Boston Celtics or the Phoenix Suns. Crowder is not the same player he was a few years ago when he helped the Suns reach the 2021 NBA Finals. Regardless, he is still a solid player who can contribute to a contending team. Crowder is still a useful 3-and-D player who could provide the Kings with depth and experience. He would likely only make spot starts in Sacramento at best, but he can still make his presence felt on the court in a larger role when needed.
Ultimately, Crowder can provide a huge boost to the Kings. However, he would most likely just be used for depth at this point in his career. Still, with less than a month remaining until training camp, a contract agreement could be a low-risk, high-reward move for both sides.
The Last Word On Jae Crowder
While he is past his prime at this point, it is a bit shocking that Crowder remains unsigned. He played in four playoff games against the Indiana Pacers this postseason and averaged 10.5 minutes. He can still play basketball at a relatively high level and can contribute to a team right away. Whether it is with Sacramento or another team, it is fair to assume the 34-year-old will find himself a new home at some point next season.
