Basketball Hawks, Warriors near Crawford trade

[GotGibson?]

The Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors are closing in on a trade that would find a new home for Jamal Crawford.

NBA front-office sources say that the Warriors and Hawks will soon complete a deal sending Crawford to Atlanta for Acie Law and Speedy Claxton.

A source with knowledge of the Hawks situation told ESPN.com, however, that the deal is being held up because Atlanta coach Mike Woodson isn't sold on the trade and because Crawford has an early termination clause in his contract.

Warriors coach Don Nelson made no secret of the fact that Crawford wasn't in his future plans. By shedding Crawford's longer contract and by virtue of insurance payments that will cover some of the costs of Claxton, Golden State would secure a decent measure of payroll relief with the trade.

Less clear is what impact the move will have on Atlanta's forthcoming negotiations with free agent-to-be Mike Bibby. Although Crawford is not a pure point guard, he's a prolific scorer whose arrival could affect the sort of contract offer Bibby expected to command from the Hawks.

 

[HiEnd]

The Warriors trade sending Jamal Crawford to the Hawks can't become official until the 2009-2010 season begins on July 1st, according to the Contra Costa Times.

Crawford appears slated to start at point guard for the Hawks, complicating the position of impending free agent Mike Bibby (it's worth noting that Joe Johnson averaged 5.8 assists last season, vs. Bibby's 5.0). The Warriors receive point guards Acie Law and Speedy Claxton in the deal, saving around $15 million in future payroll. They reportedly don't see either player as a long-term solution and may still draft a PG. Jun. 24 - 8:27 pm et
Source: Contra Costa Times

 

[mvpjordan23]

Bibbys better they need to keep him or they arent going to be as good hes one of the most solid PGs in the NBA. Since they got Crawford if they plan on doing anything at all next year they need to resign Bibby and send a few other guys to a good team for a decent big man. Jamal Could play the 2 Joe the 3 and Mike the 1 without Bibby I guarentee they dont do as good as they have the last couple of years. I know not to many ppl will agree with me and thats because he gets no credit and is so underrated but only time will tell!

 

[HiEnd]

Contrary to earlier reports, the Hawks' trade for Jamal Crawford will become official once Crawford signs a document stating that he won't opt out of his contract.

It was believed that July 1st was the earliest the deal could be ratified, but it should in fact be wrapped up within a few days. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes that the Hawks are still aiming to re-sign Mike Bibby and Flip Murray -- if they land both, they'll have a very deep (even crowded) backcourt.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle