The LA Clippers may look at a Jamal Crawford trade this year and teams like the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Portland Trail Blazers and Philadelphia 76ers could be potential landing spots after the team signed Josh Smith, Paul Pierce and Pablo Prigioni, while big man Glen Davis may return as a free agent for Doc Rivers in Los Angeles if the sides can agree on a contract.
The Clippers have been very active this offseason and they have added some major depth to the bench and that has put Crawford in a tough spot. The team needed more scoring off the bench after the way last season played out, but now the Clippers may have added too much to keep Crawford. The team signed Paul Pierce and Josh Smith to deals along with Wesley Johnson and he could be an option to take over Crawford's role if he is moved.
According to the Orange County Register, Crawford made some comments on social media about his role with the team and he is reportedly unhappy with how things are for him heading into the season. Marc Stein at ESPN reported earlier last month that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat had interest in a trade for Crawford, but neither team came close to making a deal. Other teams that could be interested and have cap space currently include the Blazers and the Sixers, who have also expressed interest in signing Norris Cole and JR Smith.
The Cavaliers were interested in Crawford in early July and while the team could pick back up on talks at some point, right now a deal is looking unlikely. The team signed Mo Williams and Richard Jefferson this offseason and brought back James Jones and Matthew Dellavedova for some bench support already. One thing to keep an eye on for the Cavaliers is that the team has trade exceptions to use after trading Brendan Haywood and Mike Miller. Crawford could be an option along with Nick Young for the Cavs if they want to add some more bench scoring.
The Miami Heat could remain in the mix, but only if they make other moves with Mario Chalmers or Chris Andersen. The team has been shopping those two players this offseason, as Miami is hoping to cut down on its tax bill heading into next summer. Adding Crawford likely doesn't make sense unless the teams work out the money and with Miami's roster situation pretty tight after signing Josh Richardson a deal is unlikely for the Heat this summer. The Sixers and Blazers also have the cap space to make a move on Crawford.
The Clippers are interested in bringing Glen Davis back at the right price and according to Sportando, Davis is "open to playing overseas" if he does not return to the Clippers. Davis likely would welcome a deal from another team other than the Clips, but right now there has not been much out there for the big man. Davis played just over 12 minutes per game last season for the Clippers, but he may not have much to do with Cole Aldrich signed to back up DeAndre Jordan. Last season Davis averaged four points and 2.3 rebounds per game.
Check here for more on Crawford and his future and more on Davis and more on the LA Clippers offseason moves.
