Veteran guard Jamal Crawford is very interested in joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Clippers reportedly discussed a trade involving Crawford.
Cleveland Plain Dealer beat writer Chris Haynes said, "I know Jamal personally, and I know he would definitely like to be a part of the Cavaliers organization. Jamal is one guy off the top of my head that I know would be a fit, and I know that they'll be looking at him."
Crawford wouldn't cost much in any deal, since the Clippers are likely looking to eliminate his $5.675 million salary from their payroll. The Clippers would be able to save $10.505 million in luxury taxes if they got rid of Crawford. Jamal Crawford coming to Cleveland likely depends on whether or not J.R. Smith re-signs with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Crawford and Smith are similar players and make close to the same amount of money. One possibility the Cavaliers could do is use part of the trade exception money that they received in the Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller deal to get Jamal Crawford.
Jamal Crawford joining the Cleveland Cavaliers would likely give him the best chance of winning a championship as the Cavaliers are in a weaker Eastern Conference, whereas the Los Angeles Clippers are in a tougher Western Conference. The 35-year-old veteran averaged 15.8 points and 2.5 assists a game, shooting 39.6 percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three-point range for the Los Angeles Clippers last season. Crawford dealt with a calf injury this past season, as he played in 64 games and coming off the bench for 60 of them. Crawford won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in the 2013-2014 season. Crawford has played 16 seasons in the NBA and has played for six different teams.
Crawford can be another good scorer and play maker off the bench for the Cavaliers, especially if the Cavaliers were to pick him up and not retain J.R. Smith in free agency. The Cavaliers may not need Crawford, but if Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert is willing to pay for him and the Clippers are willing to dump salary for him, the Cavaliers could trade for Jamal Crawford and use the Brendan Haywood trade exception. Crawford would definitely boost the Cavaliers bench as he provides instant offense.