One of the top bench players in the NBA, Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford has been the subject of trade speculation since the end of the 2014-15 season.
Crawford, 35, is entering the final year of his contract. He’s set to earn just $5.7 million, but the Clippers have made a ton of moves in the offseason suggesting that there’s no room for him on the team.
After trading for Lance Stephenson back in June, the Clippers have signed both Paul Pierce and Josh Smith. That’s three wing players ahead of Crawford in the rotation.
Accordingly, the veteran took to Twitter to indicate that he’d rather be a free agent at this stage in his career:
"@ThatGuy_Sammie: @JCrossover sooo you gonna stay a clipper or join the cavs? ��"-I'm not a f/a, wish but I'm not.. Soo u gotta ask Doc…..
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 17, 2015
Who can blame him?
Crawford might be coming off somewhat of a down season, but he still put up nearly 16 points per game in 64 appearances for the Clippers. Though, it must be noted that his shooting was down from previous seasons. The former first-round pick of the Cleveland Cavaliers shot just 40 percent from the field, including 33 percent from three-point range.
Among the teams that are reportedly interested in him, Cleveland has the assets to make a deal work. The Clippers are solely looking to shed Crawford’s $5.7 million salary, and the Cavaliers have Brendan Haywood’s non-guaranteed contract to dangle.
It sure looks like Crawford will be moved at some point soon.
Photo: USA Today Sports