The Los Angeles Clippers continue to struggle in the first half of the 2015-2016 NBA regular season and reports are indicating that the team are willing to make a deal, which could possibly involve Jamal Crawford's expiring contract.
Sam Amico of Fox Sports revealed on Twitter that the Clippers are "making some exploratory calls" and are trying to survey the league if there are any available assets.
Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler also noted that there is a "growing sense" the Clippers are willing to deal Crawford as the team experiences inconsistency over its bench rotation that never clicks.
Kyler wrote: "Sources close to the situation continue to say the Clippers are being opportunistic - saying if a solid player becomes available they'd do a deal - however, league sources say the Clippers may be more desperate than they'll admit, sensing that a major change is needed."
All indications seem to point that the Clippers are really in need of a roster shakeup to solidify their rankings in the Western Conference and Crawford appears to be the odd man out.
Crawford expressed during the offseason his displeasure to the Clippers' new set of lineup that features Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce, and Austin Rivers, which he described as all players who want the ball in their hands.
But on top of that, the ineffectiveness in Doc Rivers' system could be the factor that pushes Crawford away from performing great.
According to Trisity Miller of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, the Miami Heat remains a possible option for Crawford as the team stands 13th in offensive ratings.
But Miller also noted that Pat Riley could be enticed with Crawford's expiring contract due to the extra cap space provided next year.
As noted in the report, it would be redundant to have both Crawford and Gerald Green manning the bench of the Heat.
So instead of getting them to play together, why not trade Green to the Clippers?
Green would be the three-and-D guy the Clippers have been badly needed. He could become a better option over Lance Stephenson and Paul Pierce due to his athleticism and versatility.
Crawford, on the other hand, would provide the Heat a proven scorer and a veteran presence in the second unit.
The Heat is leaning towards giving youngsters like Justise Winslow and Tyler Johnson, but Crawford could still give Miami a boost and carry some of Dwyane Wade's scoring load at the shooting guard position.
However, if the Heat is interested in acquiring Crawford, they may need to add another player in the trade mix to make the deal work.
There is a great possibility the Clippers would trade Crawford, and it is just a matter of when for the former sixth man of the year to be moved.