Minnesota needs depth at the guard position, and the Timberwolves are looking to fix that issue by signing veteran shooting guard Jamal Crawford.
Crawford is yet another player Tom Thibodeau and the Timberwolves are eyeing. At this point, it seems as if any player that hits the market is a primary target for the team.
It’s such a strange, yet satisfying feeling to see the team so relevant. The Timberwolves have never been a primary location for top free agents, even dating back to the Kevin Garnett years of the early 2000’s.
Jamal Crawford was recently bought out by the Atlanta Hawks, after being part of the three-team deal that sent Danilo Gallinari to the Los Angeles Clippers. Now that he is a free agent, four teams have already expressed interest in the three-time Sixth Man of the Year award-winner.
It’s been reported that the Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Timberwolves are the teams eyeing the veteran. More recently, it appears as though the Lakers’ interest has died out, creating a three-team race.
Minnesota, Washington, Cleveland out front for Jamal Crawford's services, I'm told.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) July 7, 2017
Minnesota obviously doesn’t have the same amount of cap space as they did in the beginning of the off-season after adding veteran players Jeff Teague, Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson. The Wolves have $3 million in cap space remaining, and a mid-level exception (MLE) remaining worth $4.3 million. For those who don’t know what an MLE is, it’s basically a set amount of money a team can offer a player without going over the luxury tax.
If Minnesota is able to move Cole Aldrich, they would create $10 million in cap space. Minnesota could end up deciding to move Aldrich and signing Miles, while still signing Crawford with the remaining money, or give him the MLE.
The 37-year old guard has had a successful career. Bouncing around from team to team over his 17 years, Crawford has found great success, averaging 15.3 points a game and shooting 35 percent from deep. This past season he averaged 12.3 points a game and shot 36 percent from beyond the arc.
He isn’t the sexiest option, nor can he really light it up from deep. But what he does bring is veteran experience and a winning attitude as a scoring option off the bench with a will to win, and the ability to create looks for other players on his team.
With those sweet handles, Crawford is able to get around defenders and find open players. He won’t dish out over five assists a game, but he will have the ability to distribute the ball to a load of offensive threats.
He can help out from three, but he won’t turn the three-point woes around single-handedly. Not only will he help out on offense, but he will be a much upgraded addition to the bench.
He will bring a winning attitude and another voice in the locker room to help guide the young Timberpups. Crawford would be a great addition to this team, especially considering the need of depth and a weak bench.
Next: Timberwolves Rumors: Talks Continue With C.J. Miles
Stay tuned as we keep you posted on any additional Wolves rumors as the weekend rolls on.