According to ESPN.com, the Warriors are close to trading Jamal Crawford for ex-Warrior Speedy Claxton (who was originally traded to the Hornets along with Dale Davis for Baron Davis, as you well know) and Acie Law. Since Crawford can’t be traded until July 1, this trade won’t be a draft day deal (unless I’m completely confused by what the ESPN Trade Machine is telling me, which is very possible).
Law and the ghost of Speedy are under contract for one more year, while after Crawford exercises his contract option he’ll be under contract for the next two seasons. Claxton only played two games last year due to a severe hamstring injury, where Law played sparingly behind Mike Bibby for 55 games.
From what I remember, Law looked like a decent player at Texas A&M, and he’s a lot more point guard-ish than Crawford, but his lack of production in the NBA makes one doubtful he’ll be much competition for Monta Ellis or even whoever the Warriors draft tomorrow (provided the Warriors draft a PG/SG, which could very well happen). Claxton is a complete non-factor, a guy whose best years are definitely behind him because his nickname no longer fits.
This trade (if it happens) is about getting rid of Crawford, and the fact they’re going to get a year of salary cap relief details exactly what the Warriors might be thinking at this point. Namely, they (along with everyone else) are priming themselves for a run at one of the major free agents available in 2010. Or, they’re just trying to save long-term money and get rid of a player Don Nelson already alienated about three months ago. Since most of Claxton’s salary is probably going to be paid through insurance, I’m guessing it’s the latter.
