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11/22/2024 01:57:48 am

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NBA Trade Rumors: Jamal Crawford Wants To Join Cavs But Clippers Would Not Let Go

Jamal Crawford (#11)

(Photo : Getty Images) Los Angeles Clippers' Jamal Crawford makes a move against an Oklahoma City Thunder defender during a regular season game.

Two-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford reportedly wanted to join the reigning Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers this coming season, but the circumstances of his contract and Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers are preventing him from doing so.

Fox Sports reported that the 35-year-old veteran "would definitely like to be a part of the Cavaliers' organization and play his familiar role of a reliable offensive threat who is coming off the bench.

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Cleveland's runner-up finish to the Golden State Warriors in the recent NBA Finals made the team realize that their bench was still too thin to compete with the best Western Conference teams. Apart from LeBron James, there was no one David Blatt could lean into to provide points for his undermanned squad.

The story would have been different if All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love were not injured, but still there was no one to rely on off the bench except maybe for mercurial shooter J.R. Smith, who admittedly was not easy to trust every game.

The 15-year pro could provide the Cavs the consistent second unit spark that they sorely need to finally win the city's first-ever NBA title.

Last year, Crawford averaged 15.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 26.6 minutes per game as a backup for the Clippers. He is also a dead shot in terms of free throw shooting at 90.1 percent last season, which means he can play during crunch time when needed.

Bleacher Report indicated that the former Michigan Wolverine was unhappy with the way things had taken place with the Clips this summer. He is entering the final year of his contract and was seeking an extension, but management was reportedly not keen on giving him the long-term deal that he desires this year.

With the acquisition of backups Lance Stephenson, Josh Smith, and Wesley Johnson, Crawford may also be thinking that his playing time might decrease as well as his productivity. But Rivers was said to be unwilling to let go of his prized sixth man.

"We like Jamal. Jamal does something that only several people do, Lou Williams, and a couple of more guys. Our job is to always improve our team, but we also respect and love what Jamal has done. The rumors about that is even crazy, but it is what it is, there's nothing we can do about it," Rivers said.

Fansided had speculated a possible trade involving Crawford and Smith between the Cavs and Clips, but there are no confirmations regarding the rumor.

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