The Sacramento Kings, currently on a four-game losing streak and struggling to find their rhythm with an 8-10 record, are making moves. According to reports from ESPN, the Kings are on the verge of signing a Jae Crowder contract. Crowder has a proven track record of physicality, defense, and postseason experience, all of which the Kings could use. Although the Jae Crowder stats from the last few seasons aren’t anything special, this Jae Crowder signing gives the Kings injury report a bit of support. Crowder, a 13-year NBA veteran, is expected to join the team in time for their Wednesday night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The 6-foot-6 forward could provide a much-needed spark to a Kings squad dealing with early-season troubles.
Kings To Sign 13-Year NBA Veteran
Jae Crowder Stats and Experience
At 34 years old, Crowder has seen it all in the league, including two NBA Finals appearances with the Miami Heat in 2020 and the Phoenix Suns in 2021. Last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, he averaged 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 50 games, shooting a respectable 42% from the field and 35% from beyond the arc. For his career, Crowder has averaged 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on almost 35% shooting from distance. Although never a star, he has been a solid and consistent role player throughout his career.
Free agent forward Jae Crowder is close to a deal with the Sacramento Kings, sources tell ESPN. At 8-10 and dealing with some injuries, Kings are working to add frontcourt depth with the 13-year NBA veteran who has made two Finals appearances since 2020. pic.twitter.com/1uQP9xNZcy
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 26, 2024
His addition addresses multiple needs of the Kings. Sacramento has been hurt by injuries to key players, with forward Trey Lyles sidelined for at least three weeks due to a Grade 1 calf strain and DeMar DeRozan ruled out for Wednesday’s game due to lower back muscle inflammation. The Kings are also generally small at the forward position without Lyles. Crowder’s ability to guard multiple positions and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting should help.
The Jae Crowder Contract Coming at the Right Time
The Kings’ recent struggles have raised concerns about their depth and defensive performance. On Monday, they were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 130-109. This loss came on the heels of a 108-103 defeat against the Brooklyn Nets. Both games were at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center, one of the better home courts in the league.
Head coach Mike Brown has already begun experimenting with the rotation in hopes of finding a winning formula. On Sunday, he moved Kevin Huerter, who has struggled offensively, to the bench, adding Keon Ellis to the starting lineup. While these changes haven’t done much yet, the potential addition of Crowder offers more lineup options.
Can The Kings Right the Ship Against the Wolves?
The Kings now face the Minnesota Timberwolves, who are 8-9 and have already bested Sacramento twice this season. The Timberwolves were in the Western Conference Finals last season, and although their record isn’t impressive, they, like the Kings, were expecting a better start to the season.
While the deal for Crowder has not been finalized, all signs point to his arrival happening soon. For a Kings team desperate to grab some wins, the veteran’s toughness, leadership, and playoff pedigree might be just what Sacramento needs to stop the bleeding and regain momentum.
