NBA Trade Rumors 2015: Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks Eyeing Jamal Crawford
The Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks have made several moves this summer, but both teams are not yet done retooling their roster for the 2015-16 NBA season.
The Cavaliers and Knicks are interested in trading for Los Angeles Clippers veteran guard Jamal Crawford, who has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors this offseason, the New York Daily News reported.
According to NBA insider Frank Isola, the Knicks are looking to use a trade exception in order to acquire Crawford in the deal. The Knicks got a trade exception when they dealt J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers last season.
However, the Knicks will have to look for a third team in order to facilitate the deal, which could give New York additional scoring option aside from superstar forward Carmelo Anthony.
Crawford averaged 15.8 points and 2.5 assists in 64 games with the Clippers last season. During the 2013-14 NBA season, the veteran shooting guard posted 18.6 points in 30.3 minutes per game.
NY Daily News sources also added that Crawford still has close ties within the organization, as he has maintained strong relationship with Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan.
The 35-year-old veteran played for the Knicks from 2004 to 2008, and was one of the notable recruits of then-president Isaiah Thomas, who is now in charge of WNBA team New York Liberty. He had the best scoring season of his career in New York, when he averaged 20.6 points during the 2007-08 season.
Meanwhile, the Cavaliers remained interested in Crawford, as they are also looking for another scoring option, especially if they fail to reach a deal with Smith, who averaged 12.1 points last season.
It is still unknown at this point what the Cavaliers can offer to the Clippers, but they also have trade exceptions, which they got when they parted ways with Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller this offseason.
The Cavaliers have improved their bench depth this offseason after signing veterans Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson. They also inked new deals with LeBron James, Kevin Love, Iman Shumpert, James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova.
Previous reports also indicated that the Cavaliers want to keep Smith on their roster next season. They are also discussing a new deal with restricted free agent Tristan Thompson, who is reportedly looking for a five-year maximum contract worth around $94 million.
The Northeast Ohio Media Group also reported that the Cavaliers will sign Russian center Sasha Kaun once they secure Thompson's future in Cleveland.
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