Jamal Crawford avoided talking about the possibility of leaving the Hawks next summer via free agency, but he is becoming more candid with his comments with no extension on the horizon.
"You think something is solid and a family you just want that to be what it is," Crawford said on Saturday. "I would love to be here long term, no doubts about it. I would love to lock that up before I become a free agent. I want to make it work here. But if that is not the plan I guess I will go elsewhere."
GM Rick Sund has declined comment on Crawford's situation, citing his policy of not discussing players? contracts. He typically hasn't offered extensions on veteran contracts.
Despite his age, Crawford would be one of the more desired players available on the open market.
"There is a part of me that is comfortable with that," he said. "But my whole thing is loyalty. I'm a loyal person. And I thought the Hawks were big to step up and give me an opportunity to go further. I thought I played my role to the best of my abilities, and I just want to be here a long time.
"I don't want to compete [for a contract] and have to go anywhere else but if I am not in the future plans then I guess that is what I will have to do."