November 30, 2008

Among the many messages Jamal Crawford received the day he was traded from the Knicks was one from someone who is, at least in his spare time, keeping tabs on things going on in New York.

"LeBron e-mailed me after the trade," Crawford said of the Knicks' No. 1 target in the 2010 free-agency sweepstakes, LeBron James. Coincidentally, clearing the necessary salary- cap space for 2010 was the reason the Knicks were motivated to move Crawford's long-term contract in the first place.

So how did James react? "He was surprised," Crawford said.

Crawford, who made his Garden return last night with the Golden State Warriors and had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the Knicks' 138-125 victory, has known James since the latter was a high school star ready to make the jump to the NBA. The two talk regularly, though Crawford says they never talk about the 2010 situation and New York. Still, Crawford admits he did allow himself to dream about the potential of playing with LeBron as a Knick.

That ended when Crawford was traded for Al Harrington. On the same day, Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins were sent to the Los Angeles Clippers for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas. The trades saved the Knicks - who are owned by Cablevision, which also owns Newsday - $27 million in salary for the 2010-11 season.

"They're trying to position themselves for 2010, it's no secret," Crawford said. "My thing was, in 2010, whoever we would get, they would need players around those superstar players if you get them."

Crawford has an opt-out this summer to become a free agent, which would leave two years and $19 million on the table.

"That's a ways away, honestly," he said. "We'll see what happens. I haven't been to Oakland yet and I'm sure I'm going to like it there. It's closer to home, Seattle, for me. Hopefully, something can work out long term there."

Crawford was honored last night with a video tribute on GardenVision during the first timeout and got a standing ovation.

Crawford will almost certainly opt out at seasons end... I doubt that this trade will have any impact on how Lebron decides in 2010. I wouldn't be surprised if Crawford ends up back in NYK next year... With the organization giving video tributes to him and all, and speaking so highly of him in the media.

Why LeBron will want to play with Jamal?
He doesn't need a pure scorer (with bad %%%).
LeBron needs people around him to work on both sides and create for him.
Second super like big center or smart skilled PG will be nice; but Jamal???

If playing with Lebron is important to him, sign with us for the MLE the year after we get Lebron.