The Los Angeles Clippers loaded up on depth in free agency. That has pushed certain players off the bench as questions continue to rise over what the future of Jamal Crawford looks like. According to the Los Angeles Times, Crawford's tenure with the Clippers could be ending sooner rather than later as many believe he is not going to be on the roster come opening night. However, where he lands is the bigger question as the Miami Heat emerge as the front runner for the guard.
According to Ira Winderman of Sun-Sentinel, the Heat are still looking at Crawford as an option, but only if they can include certain players in the deal. The Heat have been actively seeking trade deals for Mario Chalmers, Chris Andersen and Josh McRoberts as they aim to get some salary cap freedom heading into the year.
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have both been linked to Crawford, but might be removing themselves from the race soon. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, the Cavaliers have re-signed JR Smith to a contract which likely removes them from the race for Crawford. Ian Begley of ESPN.com is reporting that the Knicks are not looking to trade Jose Calderon for Crawford and lack other assets to get a deal complete. That removes them from the race, leaving the Heat.
The Heat loaded up on size in the offseason with contracts to Amar'e Stoudemire and Justise Winslow. That has made players like Andersen expendable. Winderman reports that Chalmers is likely not going to be traded due to a lack of depth at the position, but the Heat could easily move Andersen or McRoberts and it would not be an issue. Crawford would then come in and add major scoring depth off the bench, something Chalmers fails to do. The Clippers could use either McRoberts or Andersen as backups to Cole Aldrich and DeAndre Jordan for size. Both players offer a lot of versatility on the court in terms of scoring while still be quality defenders.
The Heat are the only team in the running for Crawford that actually stand a chance at acquiring the guard in terms of salary-matching assets. If the Knicks are unwilling to move Calderon, they have no one else to include in a deal. The Cavaliers cannot afford to bring on Crawford with Tristan Thompson still unsigned. That leaves the Heat.