NBA Rumors: Miami Heat Confirm Jamal Crawford 1-Year Deal; Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh welcome SG

By Mitch de Leon
Jamal Crawford
Los Angeles Clippers star Jamal Crawford might be joining the Miami Heat soon. Wikimedia Commons/Keith Allison

The Miami Heat are searching for potential free agents to fill the void left by LeBron James when the latter left to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers. While two of the Big Three stars remained, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, it quickly became apparent that more star power is needed to push the rankings of the Hassan Whiteside team higher in the Eastern Conference. With the Kevin Durant free agency in full force this NBA offseason, the Miami Heat is said to be looking into cheap deals with veteran stars to compete with the likes of the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs for the OKC star.

One free agent the Miami Heat are setting their sights to signing this NBA offseason is Jamal Crawford. Although signing a basketball star who appears to be in the twilight of his career is not the kind of investments NBA teams usually pursue, the former Los Angeles Clippers star offers more than just his skills in the hardwood court. In his almost two decades in the NBA, Jamal Crawford has been known to be a strong presence in the locker room as well.

“Jamal Crawford is known for being one of the streakiest shooters in the league,” noted the analysts of Sports Blog. The experts further pointed out, “He shoots a decent percentage from three(34.9 for his career), but has shown throughout his career he has the ability to light it up from three. And when he's on fire its hard to stop him. Winning three sixth man of the year awards, Crawford has also shown he'll accept playing a reserve role as well. And the Heat would love to have him backup Dwyane Wade.”

Given his age and injuries, Jamal Crawford is not expected to attract lavish contracts in the 2016 NBA free agency. However, his wisdom and leadership still prove to be good selling points for the shooting guard. If the Miami Heat do pursue him, rumors are rife that the most they can offer is a one-year contract.

Crawford spent his first years in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls from 2000 to 2004. He was later on sent to the New York Knicks where he stayed for four more years. While his injuries hindered him from fully contributing to the team, Crawford's time with the Carmelo Anthony team allowed him to build a reputation as a good scorer in the league.

Later on, Crawford was traded to the Golden State Warriors. He then spent brief stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Portland Trailblazers before signing with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012. His performance with the Blake Griffin squad allowed him to win the Sixth Man of the Year award for the third time in April this year.

Jamal Crawford is expected to hit free agency this July. While the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in re-signing him, other NBA teams are said to have expressed their desire to lure Crawford in their roster. Aside from the Miami Heat, the three-time Sixth Man of the Year awardee is also targetted by the Dallas Mavericks for his to play alongside Dirk Norwitzki. The Toronto Raptors are also said to be eyeing Crawford to help out Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. Rounding up the list of Jamal Crawford's potential free agency suitors are the Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks.

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