Jamal Crawford Says He’ll Opt Out Of Blazers Contract, Re-Enter Free Agency

Shocking no one, Jamal Crawford told a Seattle TV station that he plans to opt out of his 2012-13 contract with the Portland Trail Blazers and re-enter free agency in July. Crawford signed a one-year deal with a second-year option in December. The team fell apart due to injury and a poorly masked decision to tank at the trade deadline. Nate McMillan, the coach who helped recruit Crawford, was also canned at the deadline. Crawford's close friend and fellow Seattle native Brandon Roy was waived due to injury before the season even began.

Crawford had suitors in the Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves before choosing Portland in December. Chances are that he could end up in Minnesota, which still lacks for a productive two-guard or much in the way of bench scoring. Other teams looking to augment their offense could also turn to Crawford in July.