NBA Rumors: Cleveland Cavaliers Looking to Trade for Jamal Crawford instead of Joe Johnson
The Cleveland Cavaliers have reportedly shifted their attention from Brooklyn Nets' Joe Johnson to Jamal Crawford from the Los Angeles Clippers.
Marc Stein with ESPN.com reported that talks with the Nets for Johnson has gotten very complex. Earlier reports suggested that the Cavaliers would have to send a player like Anderson Varejao in order to land Johnson. Instead of working on a trade, the Cavaliers might be tempted to make a run for Crawford.
The Clippers reportedly are interested in trading Crawford in exchange for Cavaliers' Brendan Haywood, who has a nonguaranteed contract (10.5 million) that any team can waive at no cost before August. If a trade goes through, the Clippers would be expected to waive Haywood and use the extra money to acquire a center, like JaVale McGee. The Clippers lost their big man, DeAndre Jordan to the Dallas Mavericks in free agency.
On the Cleveland front, Crawford would be a more cost-saving addition. Crawford is due $5.6 million next season whereas Johnson's 2015-16 salary is $24.5 million. Crawford, whose shooting can be inconsistent, is also a more experienced player. Crawford would fill in for J.R. Smith, who still does not have a team yet in free agency.
In the offseason so far, the Cavaliers and free agent Kevin Love have agreed to a new contract worth $110 million over five years. Free agent LeBron James has not resigned but is expected to do so after the Cavaliers have dealt with their other free agents.
