NBA Trade Rumors: Has Jamal Crawford Become the Key to Trade Dominoes?

Believe it or not, one of the big names floating around in the days before Thursday's trade deadline is that of Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford. This year, the 2010 NBA Sixth Man of the Year is averaging 14.3 points per game and is shooting 36 percent from three-point land.

That said, why would the Blazers look to deal one of their more talented shooters? Well, the answer is quite simple. The team is slumping horribly, and according to Ben Golliver of CBSsports.com, Crawford will most likely opt out of his contract at season's end.

Thus, the Blazers are listening to offers, and almost surprisingly, there have been quite a few. By the looks of it, a deal involving Crawford could very well set the tone for the rest of the trades that go down.

In one potential trade, according to NBA.com's David Aldridge, the Blazers have reached out to the Charlotte Bobcats about point guard D.J. Augustin, who has become expendable with the presence of rookie Kemba Walker. This trade makes sense, as Gerald Henderson needs to learn from a time-tested veteran before assuming full-time duties at the two, and Crawford could fit that mold perfectly.

Meanwhile, CBSsports.com's Ben Golliver has tweeted that the Clippers have expressed interest in Crawford and are willing to give up Eric Bledsoe, but only if Portland also takes on Ryan Gomes.  Given how Gomes is averaging 2.5 points per game this year and is due to make $4 million, Blazers owner Paul Allen is unlikely to approve such a deal.

Yet, the most interesting rumor involving Crawford comes from Chris Haynes of CSNNW.com. Haynes reports that the Minnesota Timberwolves have discussed Crawford with the Blazers and are "actively pursuing" him. 

Crawford's electrifying abilities would surely be welcome in Minnesota, as the equally electric Ricky Rubio is out for the rest of the year with a torn ACL. Yet acquiring Crawford would surely mean giving up point guard Luke Ridnour, and as good as Crawford is, he just isn't a point man.

That all being said, it's kind of shocking how many deals there could be involving Jamal Crawford. He's got some great skills and would be a welcome addition on any contender, but just where he'll end up is a complete roll of the dice.

At this point, it looks like many teams will be watching that roll to determine just what they'll do come Thursday.