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Jamal Crawford is still part of the Los Angeles Clippers’ roster despite numerous trade rumors swirling around him this summer. Per reports, the trade rumors have started back up again, with both the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks as Crawford’s most interested potential suitors.
Jamal Crawford, the former Knick, is also being pursued by the Cavs. Crawford is entering the final year of his contact.
— Frank Isola (@FisolaNYDN) August 18, 2015
New York continues their rebuild around Carmelo Anthony, and while they’re certainly not ready to compete for an NBA title this upcoming season, they could actually have enough pieces to at least entertain the idea of making a push for the NBA playoffs. The Knicks went out and drafted well and brought in solid talent that can pass as NBA players. That’s a major improvement from what they were a season ago, and if Jamal Crawford is promised a big role or buys into what they’re doing, a return to New York, where he played from 2004 to 2007 could be realistic.
Cleveland has to be Crawford’s destination of choice, of course. The Cavaliers have a deadly trio of LeBron James, Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving and still have a major need for bench scoring. J.R. Smith is still a free agent and seemingly isn’t expected back, while Mo Williams secures their backup point guard woes. All that’s missing for Cleveland’s title run is a spark off the bench at the two spot.
Should Crawford be traded to the Cavaliers, he’d have a chance at a title and a solid scoring role behind likely starter, Iman Shumpert. In New York he might have a more prominent role in the offense, but his title hopes would have to wait far beyond the 2015-16 NBA season.
Jamal Crawford’s interest is key here, but what’s most interesting just what kind of value he brings to the table for either team. The Knicks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon, but even a 35-year old Crawford still packs a mean scoring punch (averaged 15.8 points per game last season), while he can also help out at the point in a pinch.
As for Cleveland, Crawford could truly be the final piece for a legit title contender. The Cavs were in the Finals last year and came close to winning it all, and now at full strength, are understandably the favorites to win it all at the end of the 2015-16 NBA season. Getting a strong, explosive scoring threat like Jamal Crawford could be the cherry on top they’ve been waiting for.
