"Hawks guard Jamal Crawford has avoided publicly expressing his displeasure with the team's front office for not offering a contract extension now more than three months after he requested one.

Yet Crawford, who has asked the Hawks to trade him if an agreement can't be reached, now sounds more urgent about his situation.

"I would love to be here long term, no doubts about it," Crawford said after a recent Philips Arena practice. "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."

Crawford, acquired by Atlanta in a trade with Golden State last summer, will make $10.1 million in the final year of his contract. He is seeking an extension beyond 2010-11 after winning the NBA's Sixth Man Award and helping the Hawks to 53 victories and the No. 3 playoff seed in the East.

The uncertainty with the expiring collective bargaining agreement also is a major factor in Crawford's desire for an extension. Owners are seeking significant financial concessions from players for the new CBA beginning in the 2011-12 season.

Hawks general manager Rick Sund has declined comment on Crawford's situation, citing his policy of not discussing players' contracts. He also has resisted trade inquiries on Crawford from interested teams.

Crawford would be among the top players available if he becomes a free agent next summer."