Timberwolves rumors: Jamal Crawford unlikely to return to Minnesota

The Minnesota Timberwolves are coming off their first playoff appearance in 13 years that resulted in a disappointing first-round postseason exit. This has immediately brought several forth questions concerning the future of a few key players on the roster.

According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, the former two-time Sixth Man of the Year award winner Jamal Crawford could be on his way out after one season with the Timberwolves.

As for the bench guys, I don’t see Jamal Crawford coming back, even though Butler would love to have him. Gorgui Dieng’s contract will be difficult to move, so there’s a good chance he’s here. If not, the Wolves may have to pay a hefty price to unload him.

Crawford is set to face a pending free agency decision with the second year of his two-year, $8.8 million that is a player option worth $4.5 million for the 2018-19 season. He is coming off a productive first campaign in Minnesota with 10.3 points on 41.5 percent from the floor and 33.1 percent from beyond the arc in 20.7 minutes while playing in 80 games played. This includes scoring in double figures 46 times with six 20-point outings.

The 38-year-old has shown that he is able to play at a high level despite playing in a more limited role off the bench due to his scoring prowess. If he were to elect to decline the player option in his deal, he could quickly become a highly targeted player on the open market due to his proven ability as a scorer off the bench. He still has plenty left in the tank to be a key part of a team that is contending for an NBA title next season.

There is still plenty of time until Crawford will be pressed with that pending decision to choose whether he wants to finish out his deal with the Timberwolves.