NBA Trade Rumors: LA Clippers Must Add Jamal Crawford for Playoff Run

If the Los Angeles Clippers want to get serious about becoming a contender and actually make some noise in the postseason, they need to make a play to land Jamal Crawford from the Portland Trail Blazers before the trading deadline on March 15.

CSNNW’s Chris Haynes has confirmed from sources that the team is interesting in doing exactly that and needs to figure out a package to get this deal to happen.

Sports Illustrated’s Sam Amick found that the Clips reportedly tried to sign the then-free agent in the offseason, but ultimately failed.

Now, they have another shot and need to pull the trigger.

The 31-year-old gunner is owed a mere $5 million this season and has a player option for the same amount in 2012-13. It’s a bargain for the offensive firepower he can provide this young Clippers team, either starting or off the bench.

Crawford has legitimate size at 6’5”, 200 pounds, can be deadly from long range and is absolutely fearless when it comes to taking big shots in clutch situations.

When Chauncey Billups went down with a season-ending torn Achilles, the inexperienced LA team lost their veteran leadership, three-point marksman and sizeable two-guard.

By bringing in Jamal, they would replace that and get a player who is four years younger and has logged significantly less minutes over the course of his career.

There are downsides to trading for him, which is evident on nights when the 11-year veteran falls in love with creating his own shot and watching it not fall.

However, ask the Atlanta Hawks how incredible it is when the man is on fire. He led the team in scoring in three games during their 4-2 series win over the Magic and was the hardest player to defend, according to Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy.

If coached right and played the correct amount of minutes depending on if he’s hot or cold, Crawford can be one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. He will be the difference between an early exit and a deep run, and the Clippers must find a way to roster him soon.