The Knicks Are Reportedly Interested In Bringing Back Jamal Crawford

When we spoke to Jamal Crawford at the Seattle Pro-Am earlier this month, he was perfectly forthcoming about the fact that he wishes he were a free agent, although he was careful to clarify that that didn’t necessarily mean he wants to leave Los Angeles. It was more about being the master of your own destiny (that, and cashing in on all the money being thrown around this summer, as long as we’re being honest).

But since he’s currently under contract, Crawford has little-to-no say where he’ll land if put on the trade block. And according to a report from Frank Isola of The New York Daily News, one of Crawford’s old teams is suddenly in the mix to land the two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year:

“The Knicks have expressed interest in acquiring Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, according to a source.

Crawford signed a free agent deal with the Knicks 11 years ago and was one of then-President Isiah Thomas’ first signature moves. Crawford was eventually traded in Nov. 2008 to Golden State by Donnie Walsh as the Knicks began clearing cap space.

Crawford has maintained close ties with several high ranking officials in the organization, including Garden Chairman James Dolan and Thomas, who currently runs the Liberty.”

It’d be a great short-term move for the Knicks, who are in desperate need of immediate help alleviating some of the scoring load for Carmelo Anthony, but Crawford would almost certainly only be a rental. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer and, at 35, would most assuredly prefer to join a contender, which the Knicks are emphatically not.

Isola also alluded to the Miami Heat as potential suitors, which could emerge as the dark horse candidate for a backup shooting guard of Crawford’s caliber. With everyone healthy, the Heat boast one of the most dangerous starting fives in the league, and Crawford would bring some welcome scoring punch off the bench. It isn’t entirely insane to suggest they might pose a legitimate threat to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the Eastern Conference crown.

Just take a look at their starting lineup: Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Chris Bosh, and Hassan Whiteside. They got the steal of the draft in Justise Winslow, they acquired Gerald Green for pennies on the dollar, and they’re getting Josh McRoberts back from injury. Add Crawford to the equation and that is a very intriguing second unit. Having Crawford and/or Winslow to help spell Wade and his rickety knees throughout the season could be a major boon. He’ll already be asked to do much less with capable scorers like Dragic, Deng, and Bosh already in tow.

Cleveland is obviously the sexier of the destinations, but don’t sleep on Miami. It could be good for all parties involved.

(via The New York Daily News)

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