The Sacramento Kings, grappling with a challenging 8-10 start to the 2024-25 NBA season, have officially signed veteran forward Jae Crowder. The move was announced ahead of their Wednesday night matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, the terms of Crowder’s contract remain undisclosed.
ESPN’s Shams Charania first reported on Tuesday that the Kings were “close” to finalizing the deal with Crowder. The 34-year-old forward, known for his toughness and experience, worked out with Sacramento earlier this summer. Last season, Crowder played a reserve role with the Milwaukee Bucks, contributing 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 steals per game over an average of 23.1 minutes.
The decision to bring in Crowder appears to be a response to a wave of injuries impacting the Kings’ frontcourt. On Tuesday, Sacramento revealed that forward Trey Lyles would be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a calf strain he sustained during Monday’s 130-109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder at Golden 1 Center.
Adding to the team’s woes, guard/forward DeMar DeRozan, who recently returned after missing three games with lower back tightness, is once again out with lower back muscle inflammation. DeRozan will not be available for Wednesday’s game against the Timberwolves, the Kings confirmed.
These setbacks have coincided with a four-game losing streak, putting additional pressure on the Kings as they face a tough opponent in Minnesota. Crowder is expected to be available for Wednesday’s game, providing a potential boost to the team during this rough patch.
While Crowder’s signing offers hope for added depth and veteran leadership, it remains to be seen whether his presence can help the Kings navigate their current challenges. The team’s ability to bounce back from injuries and poor form will be a critical storyline in the weeks ahead.
As the Kings look to stabilize their season, Crowder’s impact will be closely watched. His history as a reliable two-way player with playoff experience could prove invaluable as Sacramento fights to regain its footing in a competitive Western Conference.