Jamal Crawford expected to sign two-year deal with Timberwolves

Free-agent guard Jamal Crawford, the NBA’s three-time Sixth Man of the Year, plans to sign a two-year $8.9 million deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves once he clears waivers, a person familiar with the negotiations told USA TODAY Sports.

The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly until the deal is official.

Crawford just reached a buyout deal with the Atlanta Hawks and had no shortage of teams interested, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, Los Angeles Lakers and Timberwolves.

Minnesota president of basketball operations and coach Tom Thibodeau needed more scoring and shooting from the perimeter and found it in the 37-year-old Crawford.

Last season, Crawford averaged 12.3 points and shot 36% on three-pointers, and the Timberwolves will need that long-distance shooting with Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins — not known for the their three-point shooting — on the wings.

Crawford was traded from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Atlanta Hawks earlier in free agency so the Clippers could acquire forward Danilo Gallinari. The Hawks, who don’t need a veteran like Crawford, reached a buyout agreement, giving Crawford the freedom to choose a new team once he clears waivers.

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