Multiple Warriors stars are lobbying for the front office to pursue – and sign – Jamal Crawford, reports Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic. Crawford, who spent 2017/18 with the Timberwolves, turned down his player option for next season, and will reach the open market.
According to Thompson, Draymond Green and Kevin Durant are among the players who have pushed for the Warriors to go after Crawford. Stephen Curry is on board too, as are multiple assistant coaches, Thompson notes.
While Bob Myers‘ level of interest in Crawford is unclear, the support within the organization for the veteran shooting guard will be enough to get the Warriors GM on the phone with Crawford’s agent – Aaron Goodwin – when free agency begins this weekend, says Thompson. The club would be able to offer Crawford a minimum-salary contract or part or all of the taxpayer mid-level exception, which will start at about $5.3MM.
[RELATED: Will Warriors use mid-level exception?]
As Thompson observes, Crawford may not be an ideal fit for a Warriors team looking to get younger, but his willingness to let shots fly is a key trait on a squad featuring so many other stars. With Durant, Curry, and Klay Thompson receiving increased attention from opposing defenses, the Warriors want role players who won’t be afraid to shoot the ball when they have open looks, and Crawford certainly fits that bill.
Crawford, 38, has averaged 15.0 PPG with a .349 3PT% in 1,262 career regular season contests. With Minnesota in 2017/18, those numbers slipped to 10.3 PPG and .331 3PT%.
Glove meet hand
Sure, but you could’ve tried to get him last year rather than Swaggy P.
They won the chip. Doesn’t hold any value.
I think Zaza is gone, Javale is gone, Nick Young is gone, West retires, McCaw might be gone, Jones might be gone.
I feel like Crawford could fit, but I’m not sure I want him taking possessions away from their other playmakers, and he doesnt really do anything defensively
They should try to keep Looney if they can.
I could see Anthony Tolliver, Trevor Booker, Seth Curry, someone on the wing if they have any of their mid level available, although there isnt much out there, Jacob Evans and maybe Kyle O’quinn, or I can see them giving Okafor a look to possibly replace Zaza, although he would probably barely play, or maybe they use a roster spot on someone they want to call up from the G-league
Why do you keep posting that Jones might be gone? He’s young, still under his cheap rookie contract and if McGee, Zaza and West leave, they’ll need a big body.
Depending on how they evaluate him now, and b/c he isnt a salary that they wouldn’t replace with someone else, if they get the chance. I remember them being down on him this year, and Jordan Bell is really good. Bell, Looney, Tolliver, Booker, O’quinn and/or someone like Okafor as mentioned in that example is enough to play around Draymond at the 5
The guys you mention are too old to be young, and too young to value winning a title sitting, and will be looking for promotions.
I think Myers is going to be encouraged to make somebodies out of nobodies due to finances. And Myers may want to avoid getting pinched himself– much better to be recognized as a genius!
I don’t think Crawford would go to GSW for peanuts so the 5.3MM/year will be the very minimum he will take & I doubt he plays for that little too, a good but not cheap option for the Warriors.
The players are probably more worried about the lockerroom than about a sub’s enthusiasm for shooting. They’re not asking for Nick Young.
Nick young was intimidated by warriors big four
Will Crawford also be intimidated???
Not his rep. James wanted him last year, but the Cavs spent their MLE on Osman.