Multiple outlets are reporting that the Atlanta Hawks, New York Knicks and an unnamed third team are discussing a possible three team sign-and-trade for Atlanta free agent guard Jamal Crawford. The situation appears to be fluid as Pro Basketball Talk's Matt Moore reported earlier that Knicks guard Toney Douglas was part of the deal. CBS Sports NBA writer Ken Berger reports that Douglas wasn't in the deal in its current form.
Hawks beat writer Michael Cunningham cautioned last night that Atlanta general manager Rick Sund still had not received the ok from ownership to pull the trigger on any deal that would result in a luxury tax payment for the Hawks. As a result, that virtually eliminates the possibility of a Crawford sign-and-trade. Cunningham also writes that Sund was searching for a way to gain some salary relief without using the amnesty clause.
Cunningham caught up with Sund on Sunday and the Hawks GM reiterated that it was doubtful that the Hawks would pay the luxury tax which raises further doubts about the rumored Hawks-Knicks trade discussions.
#Hawks GM Sund: "We have never been a taxpaying team and our goal is not to pay the tax. You never say never." No tax=No Crawford S & T
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