The Sacramento Kings have made a significant addition to their roster by officially signing veteran forward Jae Crowder. The team announced the signing in a press release today, bringing in the defensive specialist to bolster their lineup.
While the details of Crowder’s contract have not been officially disclosed, it is highly likely that he signed for one year at the veteran’s minimum. If this is the case, Crowder will earn $2,620,232 for the full season, with Sacramento taking on a cap hit of $1,655,619.
The Kings’ interest in Crowder has been evident for some time now. They conducted a workout with him back in September and were impressed by his skills and experience. Crowder spent a season-and-a-half with the Milwaukee Bucks from February 2023 onwards, showcasing his ability to contribute both on offense and defense. Last season, he averaged 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while making 25 starts in 50 appearances.
With over 800 regular season games under his belt since his NBA debut in 2012, Crowder brings a wealth of experience to the Kings’ roster. Throughout his career spanning 12 seasons, he has averaged 9.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in just over 25 minutes per game. Known for his three-point shooting and defensive prowess, Crowder has played vital roles on contending teams such as the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Miami Heat, and Phoenix Suns.
The addition of Crowder comes at an opportune time for Sacramento as they currently have an open roster spot and are $3.7 million below the luxury tax line. This move allows them to strengthen their rotation without compromising their financial flexibility.
In other news from the Kings camp, Trey Lyles has suffered a Grade 1 right calf strain, as revealed by an MRI scan. The versatile forward will be reevaluated in approximately three to four weeks, leaving a void in the Kings’ frontcourt rotation. Lyles has appeared in 18 games this season, including two starts, and has been contributing 5.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in just under 20 minutes of playing time.
The Kings have had a challenging stretch recently, losing their last four games and dropping to an overall record of 8-10 for the season. The addition of Jae Crowder brings hope for improvement on both ends of the court as they aim to turn their fortunes around.
In conclusion, the signing of Jae Crowder represents a significant move for the Sacramento Kings. His defensive skills and veteran leadership will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team’s performance. With Crowder joining their ranks, the Kings look poised to make strides towards becoming a more formidable force in the league.