Guard Jamal Crawford, the most efficient scorer off the bench for the Los Angeles Clippers last season, might be leaving Lob City as the Miami Heat and the New York Knicks are reportedly looking to acquire him via trade deal.
According to the Sports World Report (SWR), Crawford has been linked to trade deals following the acquisition of guard Lance Stephenson and forwards Paul Pierce, Josh Smith, and Wesley Johnson by the Clippers in the offseason.
The report added that the addition of these quality players made Crawford a trade target since there is a possibility that "his role could be diminished."
Last season, the Clippers lacked depth with their reserves as Crawford was the only reliable scorer coming off the bench.
The two-time Sixth Man of the Year played in 64 regular season games last season averaging 15.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per outing.
During the playoffs he averaged 12.7 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game in 14 postseason games.
The Heat, who are marketing point guard Mario Chalmers and center Chris Andersen, is among the teams interested in Crawford.
Miami is trying to lessen their luxury tax by looking to trade Chalmers and Andersen before the 2015–16 season begins and a deal with the Clippers for Crawford is an option.
But Fox Sports reported that according to the Miami Herald, a league official who is communicating with the Heat said there are no interests being shown for Andersen and there is no certainty that the Clippers are looking to trade Crawford to Miami for Andersen.
Meanwhile, SWR also cited in their report Frank Isola of the New York Daily News who said the Knicks are interested in trading for Crawford.
Crawford has played for New York before and spent five seasons with the team, although he was dealt to the Golden State Warriors in his fifth season.
His addition to New York will be a great move for the franchise as he can help lessen the offensive load Knicks star Carmelo Anthony will be having next season.
