Now that the three-team deal sending him from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Atlanta Hawks is finalized, veteran guard Jamal Crawford is looking elsewhere for employment. The 37-year-old guard is currently in discussions with Atlanta about a buyout — discussions that will likely lead to him becoming an unrestricted free agent.
While Crawford was initially linked to the Golden State Warriors, it appears both sides have moved on. For the Warriors, that came after they signed Nick Young to a one-year contract on Wednesday (more on that here).
Now according to at least one report, the three-time defending Eastern Conference champion Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams interested in Crawford.
The Hawks and Jamal Crawford continue to discuss buyout. If bought out, sources say the Wolves, Cavs, Wizards, Bucks, Lakers are in the mix.
— Alex Kennedy (@AlexKennedyNBA) July 6, 2017
Really, this shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise. Even after re-signing fellow three-point specialist Kyle Korver earlier this month, Cleveland is in need of more perimeter options off the bench.
Last season with Los Angeles, Crawford averaged 12.3 points while shooting at a 36 percent mark from three-point range. He would definitely be a solid add for a Cavaliers team that’s been inactive in free agency thus far.
Then again, Crawford himself is said to be interested in joining the Lakers. He loves the Los Angeles area and would like to help mentor rookie No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball.
With top-end free agents now pretty much off the market, this will be one of the stories to watch once Crawford is indeed bought out by Atlanta.