"Jamal Crawford says the Portland Trail Blazers are "right there" in a three-team battle to sign him to a free agent deal.

"They are right there, definitely,'' Crawford said by phone late Tuesday night. "I'd be lying if I said they weren't.''

Crawford, 31, said the Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks are also in the running for his services. He said he expects to make a decision this week, and will factor three criteria in making his decision: The team's style of play, where the team is headed, and how he fits in with the coach.

Crawford was born and raised in Seattle and said he has known Blazers coach Nate McMillan since he was 16. Crawford is also very close to Blazers guard Brandon Roy, and spoke extensively with Roy on Tuesday night about the Blazers."