Jamal Crawford eyeing Miami Heat, New York Knicks and Los Angeles Clippers – NBA Report
A few hours after Jamal Crawford decided to opt out of his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers, rumours are abuzz about the potential teams in which he could land into.
Crawford opted out of the second year option on his contract with the Portland Trail Blazers worth $5 million. He had signed with them just before the 2011-2012 regular season started in December, after a testing free agency and
was not happy with the response he got from teams as a free agent.
The lockout banned teams from negotiating with players and it also played its role in the disappointment he faced. Crawford signed the deal with Portland but was not happy with it, and his numbers fell this season. Crawford was
once a strong scoring option with the Atlanta Hawks and won the 6th man of the year award with the team.
Crawford has now decided to test free agency again in the hopes of finding a better contract that will pay him more, as he feels the $5 million being offered by Portland is low for a former 6th man of the year. Sam Amico
of Fox Sports Ohio has reported:
“Teams said to be on his radar include the Heat, Clippers, Kings, Knicks and Cavaliers.”
Before Crawford can make a decision about which team to pursue, he will have to decide whether he wants to contend for a championship or get a better pay check. The Miami Heat can only offer him the mini mid level exception at
$3 million, $2 million less than his current salary. The Clippers on the other hand could offer him a full mid level exception at $5 million but it is unclear whether they could go for a scoring shooting guard as they have good scoring options on their roster
and are looking to improve their defence.
The Kings and Cavaliers are two teams that have the salary cap to offer Crawford a better contract financially. The decision rests with Crawford ultimately. At 32, he might lean towards finishing his career with a team where he
can take the centre stage and have scoring opportunities, while also securing his future with a better pay check.
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