Report: Knicks interested in Clippers' Jamal Crawford; Heat also keen
It appears New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson isn't ready to stop adding pieces to a roster that already includes eight new faces for next season.
The Knicks have expressed interest in acquiring Jamal Crawford from the Los Angeles Clippers, according to the New York Daily News' Frank Isola.
Crawford, 35, had been rumored to be on his way out of Los Angeles in potential trades, including one that would see him head to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Brendan Haywood's expiring contract.
Despite that rumor being put to rest after the Portland Trail Blazers took Haywood off Cleveland's hands, the Cavaliers are still in the mix to land Crawford, reports Isola.
A change of scenery could still be in the cards for the 15-year veteran after he said on social media he wished he were a free agent this summer. After the Clippers bolstering their backcourt with J.J. Redick, Austin Rivers, Lance Stephenson, and Pablo Prigioni - all capable of playing Crawford's natural shooting guard position - there's likely less urgency to keep the two-time Sixth Man of the Year.
Crawford averaged 15.8 points and 2.8 rebounds on 39.6 percent shooting last year in what was a down season.
Already set to join the Knicks in 2015-16 are rookies Kristaps Porzingis and Jerian Grant, in addition to Sasha Vujacic, Arron Afflalo, Derrick Williams, Robin Lopez, Kevin Seraphin, and Kyle O'Quinn.
Crawford played under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden from 2004-2008, averaging 17.6 points and 4.4 dimes while hitting 35.3 percent of his 3-point attempts in 299 appearances. He's set to make $5.6 million on an expiring contract next year.
The Miami Heat are another team that has expressed interest in the Seattle native, reports Isola.
The Heat are already above the 2015-16 salary cap and into the luxury tax with significant dollars committed to Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and Goran Dragic. In order to incorporate Crawford into their roster for the upcoming season, they would have to shed the contract of Mario Chalmers, Josh McRoberts, or Chris Andersen.