Jamal Crawford Scouring Free-Agent Market Once Again

One player becoming a free agent for the second straight offseason is veteran shooting guard Jamal Crawford of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Crawford signed a two-year contract for $10 million before the shortened 2011-12 NBA season, although the second year is a player option ($5 million) that he does not have to accept if he doesn't want to.

The Trail Blazers could also deal Crawford on draft night, and he would be able to keep his Bird Rights and make more money on the market.

The former Sixth Man of the Year averaged 13.9 points for the Trail Blazers while appearing in 60 games, even though the team underwent roster and personnel changes right around the trade deadline in an effort to start a new era.

It is likely that Crawford will not re-sign with Portland after having a down year in terms of his points per game average.

It is unknown at this time whether Crawford can make more than $5 million annually on the free-agent market, as contending teams are not expected to splurge in the offseason due to the impending salary cap rules.

Although Crawford will scour the free-agent market once again this year in hopes of joining a team that could use his veteran presence and shot-making ability, it will be interesting to see how much interest there is in him and what price teams are willing to pay for his services.

Crawford would be a great addition to a team seeking scoring in the backcourt, although a younger option such as Lou Williams may also fit the same caliber in the free-agent market.