Report: Nets bringing in Jamal Crawford, Michael Beasley ahead of bubble league restart
The Brooklyn Nets have agreed to a deal with veteran guard Jamal Crawford ahead of the NBA’s bubble league restart at Disney World, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reports. The team is also reportedly moving toward a deal with Michael Beasley.
The Nets have undergone roster attrition as the NBA’s restart looms and need players to fill out their lineup. Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have long been ruled out with lingering injuries. In recent weeks, DeAndre Jordan, Taurean Prince, Wilson Chandler and Spencer Dinwiddie have also opted out because of COVID-19 concerns.
Crawford, 40, last played in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns during the 2018-19 season. He averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 assists in 18.9 minutes per game off the bench. The 19-year NBA veteran has won the Sixth Man of the Year Award three times.
Meanwhile, Beasley was last seen with the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 7.0 points and 2.3 rebounds per game off the bench.
Crawford has worked at NBA return
Crawford has lobbied to return to the league this season, telling Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes in February he can still contribute as a versatile guard willing to play a role.
“I would think that should be applauded,” Crawford said of his versatility. “I play point guard more last year than I have since I was in Portland. And I averaged more assists than I did in 10 years. I would think that’s applauded.”
Now Crawford will get his shot this season, though in circumstances he surely never imagined. The Nets enter the NBA bubble with a 30-34 record, good for seventh place in the Eastern Conference with eight games remaining until the playoffs.
With the Washington Wizards sitting 6.5 games back and the only threat to overtake a playoff spot, Crawford is likely signing up to play in some playoff games. Just don’t count on the depleted Nets to win many games once they get there.
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