A 16-year playoff drought was snapped by Sacramento Kings during the 2022-23 NBA season, where they won 48 games and finished atop the Western Conference standings. While the Kings won 46 games last year, De’Aaron Fox and company were unable to claim a playoff spot via the play-in tournament in a very competitive Western Conference. Heading into the 2024-25 season, Sacramento’s goal of returning to the playoffs is clearThat’s why they’re exploring all their options regarding their 15th and final roster spot. Specifically, that’s why the Kings are looking for a free agent and a veteran forward Jae Crowder.
After spending last season with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, Crowder is ready to training in Sacramento this week, according to Sean Cunningham of FOX40 News. Crowder will join roster players in town looking for on-court competition as the Kings examine their needs with their final roster spot.
Over the course of his 12 seasons, Crowder has played for four different franchises. Over the last two seasons, Crowder has played for the Bucks. Unfortunately, he only played 50 games total last season due to health issues. abdominal surgeryThe veteran forward averaged 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 34.9 percent from three-point range last year.
Prior to playing for the Bucks, Crowder spent two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, proving to be a key secondary player on their 2020-21 team that made it to the NBA Finals. He was also a member of the Miami Heat during the 2019-20 COVID season, when the Heat advanced to the NBA Finals.
Crowder, 34, has always been known for his 3-and-D mentality on the wing. Despite being older and nearing the end of his career, Crowder is still a reliable catch-and-shoot option on the wing and in the corner. Given that the Kings recently traded Harrison Barnes this offseason, it’s possible Crowder is a player the organization is looking at closely. After all, Crowder’s experiences in the league make him a viable candidate for the final roster spot on the Kings.
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This offseason has been action-packed for the Kings, as they landed six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan in a trade with the Chicago Bulls. Malik Monk also re-signed with the team, staying true to his long-term commitment to Sacramento.
If the Kings were to sign Crowder, or at least extend his training camp invite, the veteran forward would provide immediate depth behind DeRozan on the wing, as well as behind Keegan Murray at power forward. Time will tell if the Kings are truly interested in the 34-year-old.
