Los Angeles Clippers: 3 Trade Scenarios For Jamal Crawford

For the past few seasons, Jamal Crawford’s name has been mentioned in trade rumors. With the Los Angeles Clippers re-signing Austin Rivers, trading for Lance Stephenson, signing Wesley Johnson, and J.J. Redick holding the starting shooting guard position down, it would appear that there are too many cooks in Crawford’s kitchen. After these moves, Crawford appeared to be on the outs and saw his name back in the rumor mill as a favorite to be traded before the beginning of the season.

We’re a month and a half away from the beginning of the NBA season and Jamal Crawford remains on the Clippers roster. He may indeed begin the season with the Clippers, but he’s no lock to finish with them. Doc Rivers recently spoke on the idea that Crawford would be moved, “I’ve heard all the rumors about Jamal going another place. Jamal’s a Clipper and I would be very surprised if he’s not a Clipper by the season’s end.” We’ll take Rivers for his word for now, but what do you expect someone in his position to say?

Crawford is an attractive trade asset as he’s a productive player on a relatively cheap contract of $5.675 million that ends after this season. He’s instant offense and has found his role as an elite sixth man in the NBA. For a team in need of a guard who can carry the offense for possessions at a time, Crawford would be an ideal player to add. Due to his one-year deal, he’s also an attractive asset for a team that would prefer cap space next year over the players they currently have.

The Clippers aren’t going to trade Jamal Crawford just for the sake of getting him off of the roster. If the Clippers are to part ways with their two-time Sixth Man of the Year, it will be to address a need elsewhere. The Clippers could stand to improve their backup point guard, a swingman, or backup center positions. With that in mind, any trade we’re making for Crawford has to address at least one of those needs.

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