Jamal Crawford was sent to the Atlanta Hawks in a trade earlier this week, and for all intents and purposes, it was always seen as a long-shot that Crawford would ever appear for his new team. However, that likelihood reportedly became a certainty on Friday evening, as Crawford reached a buyout agreement with the veteran shooting guard.
Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has finalized his contract buyout, league source tells The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2017
Jamal Crawford and Atlanta Hawks have come to terms on a buyout, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 7, 2017
Crawford was owed more than $17 million in guaranteed money over the next two seasons, but as a result of the buyout, he hits the free agent market without the constraints of that contract. As a result, there are many teams reportedly interested in his services, headlined by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Following official buyout this afternoon from Hawks, Cleveland, Minnesota, Washington and the Lakers top teams in pursuit of Jamal Crawford.
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) July 7, 2017
Prior to the signing of Nick Young, there was also buzz that the Warriors could be interested in Crawford, and even at the age of 37, there is offensive value in his game. Crawford was certainly overpaid on an annual basis under the previous contract, but at a low cost, he could help a contender from the perspective of shot creation in a reserve role.
Will there be a full-fledged bidding war for Jamal Crawford? Maybe not, but a lot of teams that are trying to win immediately will be calling about his sudden availability, and the pursuit will be intriguing as a result.
