Clippers Rumors: Jamal Crawford has mutual interest with Cavs, Warriors
By Tom West
After a low offer from the Los Angeles Clippers, there’s a good chance Jamal Crawford leaves, and now he reportedly has mutual interest with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors.
As a record-breaking three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year, two of which came with the Los Angeles Clippers, Jamal Crawford is one of the most highly regarded players in recent team history. Of course, his often unwise shot selection, inefficiency and defense are all problems, but he’s done a lot for the team’s struggling second unit over the last four seasons. Now, a low offer from the Clippers to re-sign him in free agency may bring that era to an end.
The rapidly-changing Knicks are one of several teams that are interested in Crawford and would enjoy bringing him back for a New York reunion, while struggling teams like the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets have also expressed their interest. However, both of the NBA’s latest Finals participants are interested in Crawford, too.
It’s been reported over the last week that the Golden State Warriors are interested in Crawford, but now Dan Woike of The Orange County Register has revealed their mutual interest.
Jamal Crawford hasn't agreed to a deal with the Golden State Warriors but there is mutual interest, per a source.
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) July 3, 2016
On top of that, Sam Amico has reported some mutual interest between Crawford and the Cavaliers.
#Cavs would like to add free agent G Jamal Crawford, and feeling is mutual, per sources. But making it work money-wise another matter.
— Sam Amico (@AmicoHoops) July 3, 2016
The details of the Clippers’ offer are unclear, but as Crawford looks for another significant deal at 36 years old, benefiting from plenty of interest and the wild market, it’s not surprising that he was frustrated with a poor offer after Austin Rivers cashed in with a three-year, $35.7 million agreement.
And when you have the first 73-9 team in history and the reigning NBA champions interested in you, it could be hard to say no.
The fit on the Warriors is a little more puzzling, simply due to the fact that they thrive with fluid team play, ball movement, and efficient scorers. Sure, they have a player who can dominate the ball and take absurd shots off the dribble, but it’s two-time MVP Stephen Curry and he makes most of them.
More from Clipperholics
- Grade the trade: Clippers shockingly land Trae Young in wild proposal
- 3 of the most overpaid players on the LA Clippers’ roster
- Trading for this player covers the Clippers’ biggest weakness
- How will the LA Clippers fare in the in-season tournament?
- Why the LA Clippers should steer clear of recent gold medalist waiver
In the second unit, with a great backup point guard in Shaun Livingston, they already have a reliable, intelligent, efficient ball handler. With Leandro Barbosa hitting free agency, though, they could use depth and apparently have interest in what Crawford still brings as a shot creator.
As for the Cavs, they’ve already lost Matthew Dellavedova in free agency and J.R. Smith is a free agent, too, meaning a further backcourt addition could easily be a priority of theirs if the money works.
With the Warriors still technically in the running for Kevin Durant, they’ll hold off with any signings until he’s made his decision.
Next: Cole Aldrich could easily receive a big deal elsewhere
Now, we wait to see whether Jamal Crawford’s time with the Clippers is over. If he can receive more money and a better title shot elsewhere, that may be the case.