Knicks Rumors: Jamal Crawford Should Take Pay Cut to Return to NYC

The Knicks are pursuing Jamal Crawford, and the veteran 2-guard would be wise to return to New York.

He would have to take a pretty significant pay cut, but it would be worth it. With the recent moves New York has made, it's easy to see that they're brewing up something special.

Everyone knew the Knicks would become a perennial playoff team after acquiring Amar'e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony. But without some sort of defensive presence, they would surely be destined for continuous early playoff exits.

With the signing of Tyson Chandler, they now have a defensive anchor that can lead them deep into the playoffs.

The veteran Crawford is entering the 12th season of his career and I'm assuming he wants to play for a title contender in his final years. Now that Chandler is on board, the Knicks are exactly that.

The trio of Stoudemire, Anthony and Crawford would be unstoppable offensively. Sharing the ball could become a major issue, but the three veterans should be able to figure it out.

It's unclear whether New York would start Crawford or bring him off the bench in his usual sixth-man role, but either would work well. A crunch-time lineup of Crawford, Anthony, Stoudemire, Chandler and either Landry Fields or Mike Bibby would be as good as any in the league.

Of course, money will play a large role in Crawford's decision. He made $10.8 million last year, but his first-year salary with New York would be about half of that.

However, he would be able to make more in subsequent years and being in the world's largest market opens itself to other lucrative opportunities.

Crawford should take the initial pay cut and help steer the Knicks back to glory.