Knicks Rumors: Jamal Crawford Needs to Consider Taking Pay Cut to Come to NY

Former New York Knick Jamal Crawford has been in the news the past couple of days, but despite rampant rumors involving the shooting guard, Crawford still hasn't found a new home.

A return to the Knicks has been rumored in a possible sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks, but in order for that to happen, Crawford would have to take the Knicks' mini mid-level exemption of $2.5 million.

Considering he turned down a two-year, $10 million offer from the Indiana Pacers yesterday, it's unclear exactly where Crawford will end up playing this season.

Now it looks like the market on Crawford has come down to the Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings. Both Portland and Sacramento can offer at least the full $5 million mid-level exemption, and it is believed that both can also match the Pacers' two-year offer of $10 million.

For Crawford, the decision is a tough one.

Portland is close to his Seattle home, but ultimately his heart is in New York. He's talked about wanting to return to the Big Apple since the lockout ended.

Ultimately, the wise choice may be to listen to his heart and take a pay cut for this season in order to join the Knicks.

That's easy to say, but in Crawford's current situation it makes sense.

For one, he could fill a big bench piece on the current Knicks roster and help New York win. The Knicks are much closer to winning than the other two teams, and in Mike D'Antoni's system, Crawford will have the opportunity to put up some very good numbers.

A one-year deal at $2.5 million in New York also makes sense from the standpoint that if Crawford has a good statistical season, he will be in better shape to cash in next season.

There should be many more teams with more cap room next season, and Crawford is more likely to cash in bigger as an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Sometimes following your heart is a good thing, and in the case of Crawford, it should lead him right to the Knicks.