Indiana Pacers desperate to land Atlanta Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford – NBA Free Agency Update
According to sources, the Indiana Pacers have offered a lucrative $ 10 million deal to the Atlanta Hawks free agent Jamal Crawford.
The proposal has further been sweetened by including an opt-out clause after one year, should Jamal deem it appropriate, effectively making him a free agent in 2012.
After Jason Richardson was re-signed by the Orlando Magic, Crawford has become the most sought after shooting guard in the league. Although, he is not a low usage player, Jamal’s killer crossovers and his ability to make off balance
shots from the perimeter makes him a key component in any franchise’s setup.
The Pacers for one have been in search of a dynamic swingman, who can not only stretch the court, but also makes shots for himself. Their first pursuit was for the Memphis Grizzlies third year guard O.J. Mayo. However, when that
fell apart – second time this has happened, the first attempt being in the last mid season trade window – Crawford was left as the only viable option.
The offer however may still not be enough for the Pacers to lure Crawford. There are a bevy of teams who are just as desperate to acquire Crawford.
The Minnesota Timberwolves is one of the strongest contenders in this regard.
With the exception of a shooting guard, the twin cities franchise has all the bases covered at the moment – Kevin Love and Derrick Williams at the centre/ power forward, Ricky Rubio at point guard and Michael Beasley at small forward.
If they can add a player of Crawford’s pedigree at that position, the Wolves will become a significant force in the West. What’s more important is that they have the assets to achieve that.
Next in line are the New York Knicks. The problem here is that with Carmelo Anthony, Amare’ Stoudemire and Tyson Chandler already in the mix, the Knicks don’t have that much money to offer and there only hope is to initiate a three-way
deal. Crawford has indicated earlier in the offseason that he would like to be a part of a title contending team. The Knicks provide him with that option, but he might have to let go a huge sum to achieve the dream.
That, in all scenarios seems improbable; at least the Pacers will hope so.
Tags: