The Los Angeles Clippers have made a lot of upgrades to their roster this offseason in hopes of contending for a title or even just a Western Conference championship next season. The Clippers were knocked out of the playoffs by the Houston Rockets last year and are hoping for different results which caused them to bring on several big names like Paul Pierce, Lance Stephenson and Josh Smith while re-signing DeAndre Jordan. Lost in the shuffle appears to be Jamal Crawford.
The Clippers have gotten a lot out of Crawford over the past few years as he continues to be a contender for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. However, this season could look much different for Crawford who is making it clear he would prefer a trade. The Clippers are loaded with shooting guards in JJ Redick, Stephenson and now Smith to which Crawford will now be battling for minutes after averaging 15.8 points and 2.5 assists last year off the bench. When asked by a fan on social media if he was going to stay with the Clippers, Crawford responded, "I'm not a f/a, wish but I'm not. Soo u gotta ask Doc..."
Crawford has been tossed around in some trade talk since the Clippers beefed up their roster. His contract is fairly easy to take on considering he is owed $5.7 million next year which is only partially guaranteed. The issue is that the Clippers cannot take on any contracts in return, making trade packages difficult to negotiate.
According to the Miami Herald, the Heat could be eyeing Crawford with a trade package that could include anyone from Mario Chalmers to Shabazz Napier and Chris Andersen. However, the Clippers cannot take on those contracts which equal up to almost $30 million. Instead, the Cleveland Cavaliers might be their best bet as they have been circling the Crawford trade wagon for some time now.
According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Cavaliers are being linked to Crawford so they can dump Brendan Haywood and his contract. Haywood is owed $10 million in the upcoming season, but it is non-guaranteed until August. A trade with the Clippers would allow Los Angeles to rid themselves of Crawford's deal while acquiring one they can simply let go of. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers get a quality shooter off the bench as they struggle to re-sign JR Smith. It is a win-win and possibly Crawford's best option at getting the move he desires.