NBA free agency continues to move along as the new season gets closer and closer. Several teams still have moves to make as big names remain on both the free agent market and the trade block. Jamal Crawford is the biggest name available at the moment in trade deals as several teams eye a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. However, that list of interested franchises could be getting shorter as free agents get signed first.
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers have re-signed JR Smith after a long standoff in contract talks. After opting out of a $6.4 million player option, Smith sat on the market while the Cavaliers signed a slew of other players over him. However, the two sides came to an agreement of a two-year contract worth $10 million in total with a no-trade clause statement in his deal. With Tristan Thompson still unsigned, are the Cavaliers out of the race for Crawford?
With Smith on the roster, the Cavaliers no longer need Crawford and cannot afford to bring his contract onto the payroll with Thompson still waiting on his deal. That leaves the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks as the best options for a trade with the Clippers. According to Ian Begley of ESPN.com, the Knicks might not be as interested as some believe. Begley reports that at the moment, Jose Calderon is not available for trades meaning the only other players that could be dealt for the guard are Carmelo Anthony, Langston Galloway or Cleanthony Early. None of those options are enticing for the Clippers.
That leaves the Miami Heat as potentially the best option for the Clippers to get a trade done. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Heat are desperate to deal away Mario Chalmers and Chris Andersen. That trade package could be enticing for the Clippers. While there is not a huge need for Chalmers, the addition of Andersen would be very welcomed for depth with size for Los Angeles. The Heat might have to toss in someone like Josh McRoberts to sweeten the deal.
At this moment, it appears that the Heat have the best chance of landing Crawford if they are serious about getting a trade done. The Cavaliers and Knicks either do not have the need or do not have the assets to get a trade done. If the Heat want Crawford they should strike now.
