Veteran forward Jae Crowder is set to return to the NBA after remaining a free agent throughout the early part of the 2024-25 season. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Crowder is close to signing a deal with the Sacramento Kings.
The details of the deal remain under wraps, but Charania says that Crowder is expected to make his Kings’ debut in the upcoming game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Kings have underperformed so far in the season, going 8-10 and losing seven of their last 10 games. Additionally, Sacramento has been dealing with a number of frontcourt injuries lately.
All-Star DeMar DeRozan is expected to miss at least one game for the Kings with a lower back injury, while forward Isaiah Crawford is also set to miss time. Power forward Trey Lyles, on the other hand, will be sidelined for three to four weeks with a calf strain.
Jae Crowder is expected to bring more depth to the Kings in lack of better alternatives while also potentially carving out a role from the bench with his three-point shooting and defensive tenacity.
Crowder, who entered the NBA as a second-round pick in 2012, played with eight different franchises so far in his pro career. He is best known for his time with the Miami Heat and the Phoenix Suns, where he helped both franchises reach the NBA Finals.
Crowder spent the last season with the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 6.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
