The NBA trade rumors will likely continue to heat up until the March 15 deadline and, if the last month is any indication, the Minnesota Timberwolves will continue to be heavily involved. The latest rumbling isn't quite to rumor status just yet, but it does make sense.
The Wolves have an obvious opening for a two-guard and, according to the Star Tribune's Jerry Zgoda, Portland Trail Blazers guard Jamal Crawford might be a player to keep an eye on as the deadline approaches.
And the Wolves tried to sign shooting guard Jamal Crawford in December, but he opted to go with the Blazers instead and now is starting at point guard for them. Keep an eye on Crawford in the coming 11 days before the trade deadline: He said before tonight's game that he came "really close" to signing with the Wolves in December.
"Toward the end of it, I wasn't sure how interested or serious they were. I think they wanted me to be more patient and at that time, I was kind of running out of time. I wanted to be in camp before the season started."
With the Blazers in danger of imploding here -- they've lost five of their last seven at home and are a long way from that team that started the season 7-2 -- and with the Blazers able to terminate Crawford's deal after this season, they just might be willing to deal him away for something if the Wolves coming calling.
Crawford noted in Zgoda's article that he's a big fan of Rick Adelman's offense, too, meaning he probably wouldn't be a player that was disappointed in being traded to Minnesota.
Crawford is more of a scorer than a player Ricky Rubio can kick it out to, however, making him a less than perfect fit in the Minnesota offense. The Wolves do need an upgrade, however, and Crawford's shown he can be a pretty good player in the right situation.
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