NBA Rumors: Players the Knicks Have Been Linked To
Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers
Position: Guard
Age: 35
Salary: $5,675,000
Slash Line: .373/.320/.926
Season Averages: 25.2 MPG, 11.7 PPG, 2.2 APG, 1.7 RPG, 1.2 3PM
As confirmed by Ian Begley’s previously alluded to report, the New York Knicks are in pursuit of backcourt help. That doesn’t necessarily mean New York will bet the bank on a guard, but it acknowledges the need to find aid in that department.
This one is a bit complicated, but bare with me.
Frank Isola of The New York Daily News reported in August that the Knicks were interested in acquiring Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford.
The Knicks have expressed interest in acquiring Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, according to a source.
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) August 18, 2015
Since the start of the 2015-16 NBA regular season, Michael Scotto of Sheridan Hoops, Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports, and Marc Stein of ESPN have all recently reported that Crawford is available for trade. New York has been referred to as a potential destination.
Nothing is imminent or even likely, but if a deal were to be executed, it’d certainly change the dynamic of the Knicks’ second unit.
Jose Calderon has found his rhythm as a facilitator and shooter, and Arron Afflalo is proving to be an invaluable offseason find. Along the second unit, guard play hasn’t been quite as dependable offensively, with a greater emphasis being placed on defense between Langston Galloway and Jerian Grant.
Crawford, a two-time Sixth Man of the Year, provides the type of instant offense that New York is searching for. His efficiency won’t win many over, but his role is to drive and shoot as often as possible—no matter what that does to his slash line.
New York prefers a younger player, but Crawford’s expiring contract and experience in a Knicks uniform may be enough to pique Phil Jackson‘s interest.
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