NBA Rumors: Cavaliers, Heat pursuing trade for Jamal Crawford

May 4, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford (11) dribbles against the Houston Rockets in the second half in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Los Angeles Clippers won 117 to 101. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are interested in trading for veteran guard Jamal Crawford.

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The Cleveland Cavaliers have been throwing money around in massive amounts thus far in NBA free agency, and that’s with both LeBron James and Tristan Thompson yet to sign new contracts. With a desire to add more talent and with no cap room to do so after all these signings, the Cavs are now looking to shake things up with a big trade.

Cleveland has already been rumored to be in trade discussions with the Brooklyn Nets regarding veteran guard Joe Johnson. Now it seems that their sights are set on another veteran backcourt player: Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford.

According to Chris Haynes of Northeast Ohio Media Group, the Cavaliers have expressed interest in trading for Crawford. As ESPN’s Marc Stein adds, the Cavs would be looking to acquire Crawford using Brendan Haywood’s contract:

ESPN sources say that Cavs, in addition to Joe Johnson trade, are also exploring a Jamal Crawford-for-Brendan Haywood trade with Clippers
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 6, 2015

Haynes also reports that the Cavs are not the only ones interested in enlisting Crawford’s services as the Miami Heat have also been discussing possible trades with the Clippers.

While Crawford makes sense for both the Cavs and Heat, it’s Cleveland that has the more glaring need for that type of player. Sure, the Heat could use a man of Crawford’s talents to help alleviate some of the workload put on Dwyane Wade, but it’s the Cavs who desperately need quality depth in their rotation for next season.

With no indication that J.R. Smith will be returning next season, Crawford would be a scoring presence off the bench with the offensive prowess that can win games for the Cavaliers. Considering how little they would be giving up to get Crawford, receiving him in a trade would be a fantastic addition.

Despite what they’ve already done this summer in free agency, the Cavs are still going to be making headlines from here on out. It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Crawford and Johnson aren’t the last names we see mentioned in trade rumors regarding Cleveland.

H/T to SB Nation

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