Amidst the NBA’s new broadcasting rights deal, a new era is set to begin in 2025. After much speculation, TNT’s new agreement with ESPN, Charles Barkley, and the Inside the NBA crew will continue under the latter. However, one cherished member of the Turner Sports network has already bid farewell to the company. Jamal Crawford, who called postseason games alongside Kevin Harlan and Reggie Miller, has decided to become a free agent. But why did he leave the NBA after an illustrious two-year run?

TNT had also offered a deal to the 3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year, who had served as both a game and studio analyst since 2023. However, Crawford chose to explore opportunities with other networks. “Thank you! I’m actually a tv free agent. So will see where my tv journey takes me…” he wrote on X. And just as expected, he might have stumbled upon the right one.

Several NBA analysts are reportedly in talks to join Peacock Network, which will resume broadcasting NBA games after a lengthy hiatus. Crawford could potentially be the first to join their team. As per Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, the former TNT Tuesday panelist is expected to call NBA games on NBC during the 2024-25 season.  

Crawford’s addition would be a compelling choice, given his prior experience with TNT. Crawford’s broadcasting career began with NBA League Pass alongside Quentin Richardson in November 2021. “Wow. What a blessing,” he said after joining Miller. 

His presence quickly garnered fan appreciation, eventually earning him a spot on TNT following Dwyane Wade’s departure. Interestingly, both Wade and Reggie Miller are in talks to join the network. While this partnership sounds intriguing, it has yet to be officially announced. It seems as if just yesterday, Crawford was getting pranked by the NBA legend Shaq on his first day.

Shaquille O’Neal pranked Jamal Crawford for his welcome 

It was 2022, and Crawford had just been announced to join the network to replace Dwyane Wade. While he sat on one end, O’Neal, WNBA star Candace Parker, and host Adam Lefkoe were on the other end of the table on TNT’s Tuesday night show.

And since it was Crawford’s first day, we couldn’t expect O’Neal to offer a simple welcome gesture. Instead, he went for a wild welcome. The 5x NBA champ had it all planned beforehand and right during the show, he had popcorn showered upon the former Chicago Bulls player, Crawford.

Later, in an interview, the basketball legend shared that he was slightly hesitant, and O’Neal’s hilarious gesture put him at ease. Not just Shaq, but Charles Barkley also had high faith in Crawford. When he announced retirement, Barkley opened up about passing the baton to Crawford and Vince Carter. “I’m going to pass the baton to either Jamal Crawford or Vince Carter,” Barkley shared.

Crawford’s departure from TNT was probably a shock for everyone. But if the new update is correct, it will mark a new chapter for Crawford.