Hawks complete buy out, waive Crawford (updated)

Jamal Crawford (11) of the Los Angeles Clippers look on during the second half of Game 7 of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center at Staples Center on April 30, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

By Chris Vivlamore

July 7, 2017

The Hawks completed a buyout of Jamal Crawford’s contract Friday and requested waivers on the recently obtained shooting guard. Crawford becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The Hawks obtained Crawford from the Clippers as part of a three-way trade completed Thursday following the end of the NBA moratorium period. The Hawks also got a 2018 first-round pick, Diamond Stone and cash considerations in the deal. Crawford immediately expressed a desire not to play for the Hawks. The Hawks could have traded, waived or secured a buyout for Crawford. The latter was the course of action for the guard, who was to earn $14.2 million next season.

Crawford, 37, has reported interest from several teams with the buyout secured.

Crawford thanked the Hawks on social media following the Hawks’ announcement that he had been waived. He posted: “Thank you @ATLHawks for allowing me to be a free agent. Much respect.”

The buyout was foreshadowed in the statement issued by Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk upon the announcement of the trade. Schlenk did not mention Crawford.

“First-round picks have great value and Diamond is an intriguing, young player to add to our group,” Schlenk said in the statement.

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