Sacramento Kings To Sign Forward with 115 Games of Playoff Experience

 The Sacramento Kings continue to try to strengthen themselves to be a force in the playoffs, as they've now added former Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks forward Jae Crowder. 

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

Crowder was a starting power forward and crucial part of the Suns lineup during two long playoff runs in 2021 and 2022, but then forced himself out town in a contract holdout. He wound up with the Bucks, where he had a far less significant role. 

Crowder has 115 playoff games under his belt, and offers valuable veteran experience. He was a huge contributor and vocal leader for both the Miami Heat and Phoenix Suns in 2020 and 2021, respectively, in their long playoff runs to the NBA Finals. Crowder was a starter averaging well over 30 minutes a game for those team during the playoffs. 

The Kings see themselves as a playoff contender in the Western Conference, but some injuries have left them at 8-10, not quite the start they've wanted. Crowder will add some frontcourt depth and some added experience.

The 34-year-old got into 50 games with Milwaukee last season, averaging over 23 minutes a night, along with 6.2 points and 3.2 rebounds. He shot 35% from three-point range, the same number from the arc that he's averaged for his career. 

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