The Golden State Warriors could take a second shot at free agent shooting guard and former three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford, according to Marcus Thompson II of The Athletic.
The Warriors are reportedly “gaining momentum” toward a deal with the perennial scorer of the bench, a year removed from a potential deal, as teams like the New Orleans Pelicans, the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State vied for his services.
“Last year, a vouching from stars Draymond Green and Kevin Durant, and coach Steve Kerr, led to the Warriors taking a flyer on Nick Young. This year, an even stronger push is being made for Jamal Crawford,” wrote Thompson. “Green and Durant are already lobbying. Stephen Curry is on board. Some of the assistant coaches want him, too. It will be enough to get Myers on the phone with Crawford’s agent, Aaron Goodwin, when the free agency period begins at 9 p.m. on Saturday.”
Crawford opted for the newly-assembled Timberwolves, which saw him have the third-worst statistical year of his career after his first two seasons with the Chicago Bulls, due to the repeated lack of playing time and Tom Thibodeau's commitment to his starting lineup, which eventually alienated the likes of Shabazz Muhammad, who sought a buyout from the team after signing a one-year deal to return.
Crawford said he will prioritize “fit” over anything else during this free agency venture, and if he's watched the last two seasons of Steve Kerr commanding a stacked roster, he'd know that making players happy is something he could very well earn a degree on after his balancing acts during the last two championship seasons.
The 6-foot-5 shooting guard played for the Warriors during the 2008-09 season, leading the team in scoring with 19.7 points per game. This late reunion could be one that ensures Crawford winds up his career with some added jewelry in his hands.
The Warriors are likely to part ways with shooting guard Nick Young, who failed to live up to the expectations of his mid-level exception and while the front office is cautious of using it again, Crawford could very well be the one free agent deserving of it.
Golden State will be shoulders deep into the luxury tax after signing Kevin Durant to a potential long-term deal, but this ownership group has proved that fearless spending is something they will live with if the return is the lauded championship hardware.
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