Bulls Rumors: Is Jamal Crawford Worth the Risk in a Sign-and-Trade?

I am working every Bulls' angle and rumor up to an actual signing or trade to change the makeup of the team. Most recently, Alex Kennedy is reporting that the Bulls are exploring opportunities to complete a sign-and-trade for former Bull Jamal Crawford as well as the before mentioned interest in Arron Afflalo. 

Jamal Crawford is a very talented offensive player who has never really bothered on the other end. He is a blast from the Bulls' ugly past. Is it wise to inject a symbol of a risky, old element into the Bulls' new and positive environment?

Crawford's skill set is actually a fit for what the Bulls need.  He can create his own shot, though, he tends to settle for the jump shot too often. His destruction of Kyle Korver in the postseason shows you can't hide a poor defender on him. Crawford would have to be spiritedly guarded by Dwayne Wade and other Heat two-guards. This takes energy away from Wade on the offensive end.

On the other hand, can you imagine Crawford in charge of checking Wade on the other end? That could be disastrous, and this is the part of the scenario that makes many Bulls fans nervous.

This is not about starters, it is about whose on the floor at the end of the game? Even if Crawford is used in his comfortable role as a sixth man, he'll play 30 minutes per night and end the game on the floor. Can the Bulls afford to have a less-than-solid defender on a position that carries good to great scorers on a nightly basis?

It is risky because acquiring Crawford requires a trade of current player assets, as well as a steeper monetary investment than the group of players who could be signed with the mid-level exception.

In a best-case scenario, Crawford is the missing piece, but how often do best-case scenarios happen in sports? Not often, and teams shouldn't build their teams hoping for this to be the case.

I say, allow Crawford to go elsewhere, his time with the Bulls has past.