As soon as Jamal Crawford was shipped to the Atlanta Hawks earlier in the summer, many were already expecting him not to play for the team as they are rebuilding. That said, a buyout was already being considered by other teams that had interest in adding him to their fold. However, the 37-year-old hybrid guard ultimately decided to bring his talents to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have added key pieces to their roster this summer.

When asked what made him choose his new team over the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks and Washington Wizards, he admitted, via The HoopsHype Podcast with Alex Kennedy, that he felt fortunate that he generated interest from a number of teams, and that he knows he made the best all-around decision to take the Wolves’ offer.

“It all happened so fast. Last year, I was a free agent and went through the process [normally]. But this wasn’t really a true free agency for me because I didn’t even know I was going to be a free agent. I had to wait for the trade to get completed and then wait for the buyout to get done with Atlanta, and then I sort of had to make a rushed decision. I tried to make the best decision I could under the circumstances and, fortunately, I had some really good options. I really did. And that does make you feel good, when teams of that magnitude reach out and want you to be a part of what they’re doing. I just tried to make the best all-around decision and I think I did that by coming to Minnesota.”

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Karl-Anthony Towns, Nickeil Alexander-Walker next to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant

Sheldon Wohlman ·

Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Grayson Allen with the Suns arena in the background, Royce O’Neale Timberwolves NBA Playoffs

David Yapkowitz ·

Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards, Suns, Karl-Anthony Towns, Kevin Durant

Jackson Stone ·

Now with the young Timberwolves team, he will be relied upon not just for his ability to score off the bench, but also as a veteran locker room leader of their young squad. The number of teams wanting to sign him also proves that despite his advanced age now, he is still one of the most reliable scorers regardless of minutes played per game.

More importantly, his experience and attitude as a professional could be the best lesson he can share to his teammates. His addition could be the case of more than just bringing more wins to the franchise, but preparing them for the future, as they plan to be a contender for years to come.