In the end, free-agent guard Jamal Crawford probably didn't get the kind of contract he wanted but it was still more than the Hawks were offering.
On Thursday, Crawford signed with the Portland Trail Blazers, officially ending his tenure in Atlanta after two seasons. Hawks general manager Rick Sund already had said the team was unlikely to re-sign Crawford since doing so would have required the team to pay the luxury tax.
Crawford, a Seattle native, signed with the Blazers after weighing offers from the Kings and Knicks. He announced his decision via Twitter.
“Rip city!!!” Crawford tweeted, referring to one of Portland's nicknames.
Multiple media outlets reported that Crawford's contract is for two years and $10 million, with an option for him to terminate it after this season. Crawford wanted the opt-out provision so he has the ability to test the market again next summer.
"We've thought highly of Jamal for a long time and think he's a great fit for our team," Chad Buchanan, Portland acting general manager, said in a statement. "He brings a scorer's touch and veteran leadership that will help us immediately."
Crawford had hoped to sign a long-term deal as a free agent after he played a key role for Atlanta while making the playoffs for the first time in his career. However, the market for guards was depressed when veterans Vince Carter, Gilbert Arenas, Richard Hamilton and Chauncey Billups were released by their teams.
Crawford made $10.1 million with the Hawks last season. Atlanta rebuffed his request for a contract extension before the season and later refused his demand for a trade.
Sund acquired Crawford from Golden State in a trade before the 2009-10 season, swapping him for Speedy Claxton and Acie Law. Former Hawks coach Mike Woodson told Crawford to lead the league in bench scoring and he did so, earning the NBA's Sixth Man Award.
Crawford's production and efficiency slipped last season as he tried to adjust to a playmaking role under coach Larry Drew. Crawford still averaged 14.2 points, good for second among NBA bench scorers.
During his time with the Hawks, Crawford electrified Philips Arena with his knack for flashy moves and dramatic shots. One of his most memorable plays was a deep, banked 3-pointer that helped the Hawks turn back the Magic in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series last May.
Portland gained the ability to sign Crawford by waiving guard Brandon Roy, who is a close friend of Crawford's. Roy recently retired because of knee injuries.
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