REPORT: C'S INTERESTED IN JAMAL CRAWFORD

WEEI
By: Paul Flannery

Jamal Crawford can opt out of the final year of his contract by June 29, the day after Thursday's draft, and the Blazers are actively trying to trade the veteran guard. According to a report on CSNNW, the Celtics are among the teams trying to acquire Crawford, who would make $5 million if he declines his option.

Portland extended the deadline for Crawford to opt out until after the draft in an effort to deal the 32-year-old guard who averaged 14 points, but shot less than 40 percent from the floor and just 30 percent from 3-point range in his one season in Portland. The well-traveled Crawford was the 2010 Sixth Man of the Year when he scored 18 points a game with the Hawks.

The Sixers and Timberwolves are the other teams named in the report, although Minnesota reportedly traded its first round pick in this year's draft to the Rockets for Chase Budinger. In order to absorb Crawford's contract, the Celtics would have to make the deal work under the cap.

112288